Like Ferraris, the wingers charge forward. Midfielders are just as capable as forwards when it comes to scoring goals. The reserves, meanwhile, appear to be starters.
A fresh new look At Euro 2020, Italy is putting on a show with its offensive prowess.
ITALY 3-0 SWITZERLAND (Full Highlights)
Manuel Locatelli scored two goals as the Azzurri defeated Switzerland 3-0 on Wednesday to advance to the last 16 of Euro 2020 for the first time, and they did so with a game to spare.
The defence was impenetrable as usual — perhaps the only characteristic carried over from previous Italy teams.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a team that missed out on the 2018 World Cup.
Italy’s unbeaten run now stands at 29 games, one short of the team record, and the team’s 10th clean sheet in that time.
Locatelli’s first goal came midway through the first half after a textbook exchange with Sassuolo teammate Domenico Berardi. Shortly after the break, he scored his second goal with a long, low shot that caught Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer off guard.
Ciro Immobile scored his second goal of the tournament in the 89th minute with another long-range effort.
Early in the game, video review overturned a goal by Giorgio Chiellini due to a handball. The captain of Italy then left the game with an apparent left thigh injury.
After defeating Turkey 3-0 in the tournament opener, Italy leads Group A with six points. Wales is in second place with four points after a 2-0 win over Turkey in Baku.
Switzerland receives one point, while Turkey receives none.
Locatelli’s first goal was a display of offensive brilliance.
He started it off with a long pass to Berardi streaking down the right flank from inside Italy’s half. Berardi then cut inside before crossing back to Locatelli, who tapped in from close range.
And to think, Locatelli was only promoted to the starting lineup due to an injury to the more experienced Marco Verratti, who is expected to return for the next match against Wales.
Locatelli, who is 23 years old, is the tournament’s youngest scorer so far.
With a double save on Steven Zuber late in the second half, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma kept the shutout intact.
In their last ten games, the Azzurri have scored 30 unanswered goals.
In the final group games, Italy will face Wales in Rome, while Switzerland will face Turkey in Baku.
