Italy seal their dominance in group A, Wales second despite Switzerland win

Italians were first to seal qualification to the knock-out round at Euro 2020 after their dominant victory against Switzerland in the previous round.

Today, Azzurri aimed to win all three group matches for only the second time in their history – and managed to do so by defeating Wales - final score 1-0.

Wales needed only one point to secure their second qualification for the knockout phase in as many appearances at the European Championships - however they failed to collect even a point at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Regardless, the Dragons ended up second in group A.

Wales were tough and held their ground against the team who showed as the most dominant in the tournament so far.

First chance worth mentioning happened in the 25th minute when Federico Chiesa was in a good position inside the box, but he couldn't connect with the pass as it was overhit.

The lead came 14 minutes later - Matteo Pessina took a great first touch inside the box after Marco Veratti's free kick. Atalanta's Pessina found himself some space and beat Danny Ward with an accurate strike into the left side of the target.

Second half, as most of the first, belonged to Italy. in the 53rd minute, Juventus' Federico Bernardeschi lashed in a mid-range free kick and his effort crashes against the left post.

Dragons were behind and ran into another hurdle in their pursuit of a comeback in the 55th minute as Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu received a direct red card for his reckless tackle on Bernardeschi.

Wales had a shot to equalize in the 76th minute via their captain Gareth Bale - however, his volley soaring over the bar from inside the box.

During these three matches in the group stage, Roberto Mancini used all of his players except their third goalkeeper.

Italy scored 7 goals and conceded none in these three matches - quite impressive.

At the same time - what a match in Baku, Azerbaijan. Over 40 shots on goal between two teams.

Switzerland’s winless start to Euro 2020 meant that a defeat here would see them eliminated at the group stage for a fourth time in five European Championship appearances.

Luckily for them, in the match-up of squads that disappointed at this EURO so far, given their performances and form before the tournament, Swiss managed to beat Turkey at the Olympic Stadium - final score 3-1.

The Turks opened up the game with intensity but failed to convert numerous chance. On the other end, Swiss footballers were more clinical with their opportunities and had a two-nil leads after half an hour already.

Two long-distance shots propelled Swiss footballers up front - Haris Seferovic sent a beautiful shot behind Ugurcan Cakir in the 6th minute while Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri scored an even prettier goal 20 minutes later.

Shaqiri could have scored his second minutes after, however Cakir stopped him.

First attempt from Turkey came in the 33rd minute - Mert Muldur unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot from the edge of the box. Yann Sommer saw the ball late but did well to stop it going inside the left post.

Same players were in focus 10 minutes later and again Sommer came out victorious.

At the hour mark, Seferovic produced a promising shot towards the bottom left corner after his wonderful solo run, but Cakir thwarted him with a fabulous save and the score remained the same.

Two minutes later, Turks cut Swiss lead in half with a belter - Hakan Calhanoglu teed up Irfan Kahveci on the edge of the box and the latter fired the ball into the top left corner.

Unfortunately for Turkey, it did not take long before Swiss players had a two goal advantage again. In the 68th minute, Shaqiri received a brilliant pass inside the box from Steven Zuber and sent the ball into the roof of the net.

Senol Gunes’ side lost their third straight game at the continental tournament and gave little to their countryfolks to be proud of.

EURO 2020

Group A

Italy - Wales 1-0 (1-0)

/Pessina 39'/

Switzerland - Turkey 3-1 (2-0)

/Seferovic 6', Shaqiri 26', 68' - Kahveci 62'/