Euro 2020: Italy cruise into round of 16, as Wales, Russia win

ITALY became the first team to book their spot in the round of 16 of the ongoing European Championship with a 3-0 win over Switzerland on Wednesday night.

Playing before their home fans at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the impressive Azzurri eased to victory courtesy of a Manuel Locatelli brace and a late goal from Ciro Immobile.

After Giorgio Chiellini’s goal was disallowed for handball following VAR review, Sassuolo midfielder Locatelli gave Italy the lead, running from deep to tap home Domenico Berardi’s low cross in the 26th minute.

Captain Chiellini hobbled off injured two minutes before the opening goal but that did not stop the brilliant Italians from serving up beautiful, front-foot football.

They increased their lead seven minutes after the break, Locatelli hitting a low shot past Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Somner from the edge of the box.

With the goal, Locatelli became the first Italy player to score two goals in a single European Championship game since Mario Balotelli against Germany at Euro 2012.

Italy wrapped up their second 3-0 win with Immobile’s strike from outside the box in the 89th minute, the Lazio striker’s second goal of the tournament.

Italy have six points from their two Group A games, having also beaten Turkey 3-0 in their opening match, and have confirmed their place in the next round with a game to spare.

Also on their way to the round of 16 are Wales, who defeated Turkey 2-0 in Baku, Azerbaijan earlier on Wednesday.

Gareth Bale missed a penalty but he set up the two goals for Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts with brilliant assists.

Wales are second behind Italy in Group A with four points and are almost certain of going through.

In the other match of the day, Russia edged past Finland 1-0 to bounce back from the opening day 3-0
defeat to Belgium.

Aleksey Miranchuk scored the only goal of the game in the 45th minute to give Russia three valuable points.

Belgium, Finland and Russia have three points each in Group B, although Belgium have played only once and face Denmark on Thursday.