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Manuel Locatelli (left) scored twice
Photo: LiveMedia / Fabrizio Corradetti / / imago images / Independent Photo Agency
Italy became the first team to qualify for the round of 16 of the European Football Championship.
The team of coach Roberto Mancini won their second group game in Rome 3-0 (1-0) against Switzerland.
Manuel Locatelli scored two goals (26th minute / 52nd), Ciro Immobile scored the third goal (89th).
With their second victory, Italy now has six points and is therefore safely in the second round of the European Championship. Only the second-placed Welsh (4 points) could oust Italy from first place with a victory on the last day of Group A (June 20, 6 p.m.). Switzerland (1) and Turkey (0) will then meet in a direct duel and could also advance to the next round as one of the best third-placed teams.
Italy took control of the game in the early stages, while Switzerland often let themselves be pushed back to their own penalty area.
Dangerous chances were rare, but the first shot on goal was a hit - thought the Italians.
Giorgio Chiellini scored after a corner kick to supposedly lead (19th), but the Russian referee Sergey Karasev did not give the goal after a hint from the video assistant about a handball Chiellini.
The Italian captain had to be replaced a few minutes later (24th).
Locatelli shines with two goals
Shortly afterwards, however, the actual opening goal fell: As a result of a quick attack Domenico Berardi dribbled in the penalty area to the baseline, placed across the center and Locatelli pushed in to make it 1-0 (26th).
After conceding the goal, the Swiss, led by Bundesliga professionals such as goalkeeper Yann Sommer or striker Breel Embolo, found their way into the game better, but did not get a shot on goal.
In the second half Locatelli let Italy cheer again.
With a shot from about 20 meters, the 23-year-old midfielder made it 2-0 (52nd).
After that, the group leader left the ball to the opponent more often. Steven Zuber fired Switzerland's first shot on goal from a tight angle (64th), but Gianluigi Donnarumma parried.
It should remain the last dangerous option for the Swiss.
Embolo and his fellow men could no longer get through the defense against substitute captain Leonardo Bonucci.
Shortly before the end, Italy's striker Immobile made it 3-0 (89th) with a long-range shot.
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