EURO CUP: Italy enter knock out stage,Wales also in last 16

Continuing their master class game, Italy dismantle Switzerland 3-0 and assure a place in the knock stage from Group A. Earlier they had beaten Turkey with the same margin. Italy had failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2017 after losing to Sweden. But now a massive turn around is being seen for this Italian team under coach Roberto Mancini for whom the sky looks the limit.

Italy’s midfielder Manuel Locatelli netted first two goals while third goal came from Ciro Immobile. Such a convincing start boosted the Azzurri’s chances as a title contender. They had never before scored more than two goals in the European championships. Italy had won its only European title long back in 1968. However, coach Mancini does not consider his team as title frontrunners. He said that World Champion France, European Champion Portugal and World number one ranked Belgium are the teams’ favorites for the Euro title.  

In other match of Group A, Wales beat Turkey 2-0 and ensure its place for pre-quarter finals. Aron Ramsey and Conor Roberts netted one goal each for their country. Both goals were set up by Wales captain Gareth Bale’s brilliant passing tactics. With two consecutive loss Turkey now seems to be out of race for round 16.

In Group B, Russia, after its opening game loss to Belgium, made amends in its clash with Finland and beat them 1-0. With this win Russia earns three points and stand 2nd in the Group ahead of Finland. The Finns in their first game had registered 1-0 win over Denmark. Belgium, who beat Russia in their opener, top the Group ahead of their next clash with Denmark.