With their place in the round of 16 now secure, Roberto Mancini’s men only need a draw in their final group match against Wales to finish top and equal the unbeaten record achieved by Vittorio Pozzo’s team, who avoided defeat for 30 consecutive matches in the 1930s. However, Mancini is more interested in trophies, and the Head Coach’s dream is to lead the Azzurri to the European Championship trophy 53 years on from their one and only success in 1968. A big first step has been made, with the Azzurri having qualified for the last 16 with a game to spare. Following the match against Turkey, it was another commanding and deserved win for this Italy side: “We won the match by playing with the idea of emerging victorious at all costs,” said Mancini. “We pressed them high and had chances. The lads played really well. It was our second match in the space of five days and it was so hot. They’ve used up a lot of energy.”

Just like Turkey, Switzerland didn’t put up too much resistance, dropping very deep and only coming close on one occasion: “Switzerland are a strong team and it was a really tough game. We could’ve scored earlier and we knew to suffer when we had to suffer but, in the end, it was a deserved victory.” Next up, it’s Wales and the Azzurri only need a draw to go through as group winners: “We need to play to win our next one too; we’ll see what happens. The boys have been great up until now but the road is still a long one. France, Portugal and Belgium are in the competition too, all of whom are teams that have come together over time, before us, and it’s normal that they are a bit further along. But anything can happen in football - nothing is ever out of the question.” Finally, he dedicated this win “to all Italians who are suffering in these times.”

Manuel Locatelli had a night to remember as he clutched the Player of the Match award in his hands. He had only scored one Italy goal before tonight and his two goals against the Swiss helped his country secure qualification to the Last 16 of the Euros: “I’m happy and proud; I’m part of a fantastic group. The first goal was brilliant, with the Berardi assist, and I want to dedicate it to my family and my fiancée. The second is for all Italians and we hope to bring them even more joy. I now just want to keep my feet on the ground and enjoy the Euros with this fantastic group.” A lot of the praise for the first goal has to go to Berardi, who has a real connection with Locatelli: “Locatelli and I know each other very well,” said the Sassuolo forward. “He did well to ping that ball out to me and to finish off the move. I’m happy for him; he played really well. This is a brilliant group.” There’s hardly any time to rest, however, with Wales on the horizon: “We’ll need to give 100%. It’s another big game and we need to keep winning.”