The “B-suit” was also in the 1-0 win against Wales on Sunday. With the Italy’s record of 30 unbeaten games in a row was set. “Pozzo has also won important trophies, so we are still far behind the level at that time,” said Italy team boss Roberto Mancini.
Under Vittorio Pozzo, the “Squadra Azzurra” had also remained without defeat for as long in the 1930s. Under his leadership, two (1934 and 1938) of four World Cup titles were won. The Italians could improve their record on Saturday, with Austria or Ukraine waiting in the round of 16 at Wembley in London. “We are happy, but we know that a new European Championship will begin after the group stage. We must not believe that we will just win every game. Now it will be different, every team in the second round can win the EURO,” warned the 56-year-old .
The southern European players know that too. “There is a lot of enthusiasm, but we are aware that another tournament begins with the knockout phase,” said striker Federico Chiesa. Against Wales, Italy’s team boss afforded the luxury of changing the starting line-up in eight positions. Players like defense chief Giorgio Chiellini or the double goal scorers Ciro Immobile and Manuel Locatelli got a welcome break. “Despite the change, the identity has remained the same. Everyone knows what to do, the product has not changed,” concluded Mancini.
With Matteo Pessina, an actor who was not part of the original EM squad advanced to become a match winner. “I don’t think I’ve already realized what happened. At first I wasn’t even in the European Championship squad and now I’m going to score a crucial goal,” said the 24-year-old. A rehearsed free kick variant in the 39th minute led to well-deserved success.
“We couldn’t have done better”
Marco Verratti was able to get an assist on his comeback after an injury break. “We’re 26 players and we’re all ready to give our best. Whether you play or not, it’s a pleasure to be here,” said Verratti. This is no wonder, as it goes like in a picture book. The most recent eleven international matches have been won – with a goal difference of 32-0. At the EM you had previously scored against Turkey and Switzerland three times. The last time they conceded a goal in the Nations League 1-1 against the Netherlands in October 2020.
“We couldn’t have done better,” said Mancini of the tournament’s appearances. His players are very clever and hungry for success. “They have a good mentality and want to win every game,” said the former Inter Milan coach. Like last time 21 years ago, the Italians won all three preliminary round matches. At that time the tournament only ended in the final with a defeat against France.
Accordingly, the Italian media celebrated the group victory and especially Mancini with euphoria. “Very first. Azzurri of records. Wales is also knocked out. Mancini is the star: He lets everyone play, the group wins …”, wrote the “Gazzetta dello Sport” on Monday. “Mancini changes a lot, beauty remains. Sweeter than a biscuit,” judged the paper, and “Tuttosport” headlined: “A masterpiece by Mancini that sets the Pozzo record.” The “Corriere dello Sport” headline: “We are a fairy tale”, and wrote further: “Wembley, we are coming!”
The Welsh also want to stay in the tournament for as long as possible after fixing second place – with four points tied ahead of Switzerland – in Group A. “It’s a defeat, but it feels like a victory,” cheered Coach Robert Page. Even a red card for Ethan Ampadu (55th) did not let his squad fall apart, which could have had consequences in the long-distance duel with Switzerland. “I couldn’t be more proud of the boys.”
Switzerland still on hold
One of them was superstar Gareth Bale, who missed his only chance in the 75th minute. “We had to defend a lot, run a lot, so we’re very tired now,” said the striker. Because of the rise, the defeat doesn’t matter. The second in Group B, Belgium, Russia, Finland or Denmark, is waiting in the round of 16 on Saturday in Amsterdam. “Now the knockout games are coming, anything can happen,” said Aaron Ramsey optimistically. What is possible, the Welsh had shown at the EM 2016 with the semi-finals.
Switzerland is still on hold in the ascent race. After the 3-1 win against Turkey, the Confederates can be of good cheer to advance as one of the best four thirds in the group. Their appearance had only one flaw: If Switzerland had won two goals higher, they would have ousted Wales. There were opportunities for that. “We weren’t perfect, we missed too many chances,” criticized coach Vladimir Petkovic.
After the heavy criticism of the days before, the “Nati” showed their better face again. This was no more true of any than of Xherdan Shaqiri. The Liverpool professional had traveled to the European Championship without match practice, showed little desire in the first two games and was therefore not a factor. Shaqiri then offered his best international match in years on Sunday. “We really wanted to show a reaction after the game against Italy,” said the 29-year-old. “We did that.”
Petkovic also held on to the second previously disappointing goalscorer. Haris Seferovic had already advanced the Swiss in the 6th minute. For the striker, it was his first goal in a final round in twelve games or the 2014 World Cup.
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