Italy have managed to secure their place in the knockout rounds of the European Championships with a commanding 3-0 win over Switzerland earlier tonight.
They are the first team to do so, thanks to goals from Manuel Locatelli and Ciro Immobile.
Here at Anytime Football, we look at the three major talking points from tonight’s contest.
Mancini has been tactically flawless
Italy has been outstanding under the management of the former Manchester City boss so far.
Defensively they have been unbreachable, and Mancini’s side have been exciting and relentless going forward.
The Azzurri have secured their 10th win in a row without conceding a goal, and they are now unbeaten in 29 matches in all competitions.
Italy have managed to dispel the myths regarding their passive style of football by scoring a total of six goals in their two Euro 2020 matches so far.
Mancini has transformed the mentality and the style of the squad. For a team that failed to make it to the World Cup, Italy seems like a brand new side with great potential.
They are uncomfortable opponent to play against in recent months. Italy have been excellent in the way they move the ball with minimal touches, and their ability to commit bodies into space and pull the opposition out of shape has been quite remarkable.
They will undoubtedly be one of the favourites to win the competition now.
The rise of Manuel Locatelli
When the 23-year-old defensive midfielder was let go by AC Milan, few would have expected him to develop into one of the hottest properties in Italian football.
Locatelli has been outstanding for Sassuolo this past season, and he is now making his mark in the international stage.
The young midfielder was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch tonight, and he managed to score a brace for his side.
Locatelli was clued in defensively as well, and he helped shield the back four expertly.
The consistency of Ciro Immobile
Italy are lacking a genuine superstar in their squad, but consistent players like Immobile have made a massive difference for them since Mancini has taken over.
The Lazio forward has now scored in both games of the European Championships, and he has been extraordinarily consistent for his club as well.
The 31-year-old has scored 150 goals in his five seasons with the Italian club.
The experienced forward has a real eye for goal, and his ability to sniff out chances could prove to be vital for Italy in the latter stages of the competition.
