Euro 2020 returned to action on Sunday with a set of crunch Group A fixtures, with Italy continuing their imperious form against Wales.
While the Italians’ purple patch continues to amaze the footballing world, Switzerland got off the mark in Group A against group whipping boys Turkey.
Let’s see what happened at Euro today.
Italy 1-0 Wales
Italy qualified for the Euro 2020 knock-out stages with a game to spare as head coach Roberto Mancini decided to shuffle the deck against Wales on Sunday.
Gli Azzurri dismantled Turkey 3-0 on Matchday 1 before putting Switzerland to the sword last time out and become the first team to make it out of the group stage.
However, the Italians refused to slow down despite fielding an almost entire second team against Rob Page’s side.
Italy assumed control of the match from minute one at the Stadio Olimpico and continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo throughout the entire 90 minutes.
The critical moment of the encounter took place in the 39th minute. Marco Verratti whipped the ball in from free-kick, with Atalanta’s Matteo Pessina turning it into the bottom left corner to give his side a half-time lead.
Little did he know that his first goal on his major tournament debut will decide the winner, but the 24-year-old turned out to be the catalyst to maintain Italy’s 100% start to their Euro 2020 campaign.
The Italians kept their foot on the gas in the second 45 minutes. But they failed to capitalize on several clear-cut chances to double their advantage following Ethan Ampadu’s expulsion in the 55th minute.
In the end, Italy finished top of Group A with all three victories and a +7 goal difference (GF:7, GA:0), while Wales secured a top-two finish despite losing in the Eternal City.
Switzerland 3-1 Turkey
After failing to win any of their opening two group stage fixtures (D1, L1), Switzerland knew that only a victory over rock-bottom Turkey could help them reach the round of 16.
Vladimir Petkovic’s men acted according to the situation, with Haris Seferovic opening the scoring at the Baku Olympic Stadium six minutes into the match.
Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri hit the top corner in the 26th minute to put clear daylight between the sides and fire the Swiss to a comfortable half-time lead.
However, Turkey responded in the second half as Irfan Kahveci netted a stunning goal from a long-range distance to open the Turks account at Euro 2020.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be only a consolation goal for Senol Gunes’ side.
Just six minutes after pulling one back, the Crescent-Stars conceded another goal as Shaqiri smashed the ball into the top netting following a blistering counter-attack.
Despite beating Turkey in Azerbaijan, Switzerland finished third in Group A. They were five points behind section toppers Italy and level on points with Wales, who progressed on a better goal difference.
But there is a genuine feeling the Nati will reach the knock-outs as one of four best third-placed sides.