Italy becomes first team to reach Euro 2020 knockout stage

'I am lucky to have such good players, and they have room for improvement' said Mancini. 'Many of them are young and still haven't played in the Champions League or the Europa League.

'You have France, Portugal and Belgium - one of those are world champions, another are European champions and the other are the No 1 ranked side in the world.

'There are teams in this tournament who in terms of maturity are ahead of us, but anything can happen in football. I try to explain my ideas to the players and until now they have been excellent.' 

This result was also welcomed by Wales, who need just a point in Rome on Sunday to be sure of second place in the group - and they will finish top if they win. Switzerland struggled all night but can still qualify for the last-16 by beating Turkey in their final game.  

'We were insecure on the pitch which is normally not in our character,' admitted boss Vladimir Petkovic. 'It's disappointing.' 

Playing in front of their own fans in a major tournament for the first time in 31 years, Italy were keen to get on the front foot early in the game.

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Leonardo Spinazzola, who was so impressive in the opening-night victory over Turkey, created their first chance of the match. 

The Roma full-back cruised past Nico Elvedi on the right of the Swiss back three and delivered the ball perfectly for the unmarked Immobile, who should have done better than head over from six yards.

The home side were having the bulk of possession and thought they had taken the lead in the 19th minute when Lorenzo Insigne's corner rebounded off Chiellini and the veteran defender reacted quickest to smash the loose ball past Yann Sommer.  

Yet Italy's celebrations were cut short as the ball had struck Chiellini's arm before falling invitingly for him, and VAR swiftly ruled the goal out.

Chiellini was frustrated, and his evening was ended five minutes later when the Juventus centre-back felt a muscle twang as he collected possession. He was replaced by Francesco Acerbi and, given Chiellini turns 37 in August, it was natural to wonder whether this may have been his final appearance at a major tournament.

Italy certainly hope not, and they responded to this setback in the best possible fashion. Locatelli volleyed a marvellous pass to Domenico Berardi on the right and immediately burst forward into the penalty area, meaning he was presented with a simple tap-in when Berardi cut the ball back.

Switzerland were struggling to release the pressure although in attack, the pace of Breel Embolo ensured Italy were always wary. At the other end, Spinazzola was allowed to carry the ball into the box and find space for a shot, which he guided just wide of the post from eight yards.

Switzerland coach Petkovic had seen enough from his side's drab first-half performance and hauled off ineffective frontman Haris Seferovic, sending on Mario Gavranovic. 

Italy were hoping for an early second goal to settle their nerves and Locatelli obliged in impressive fashion. 

Again Berardi found space on the right and when the ball was worked to Locatelli on the edge of the box, a flash of his left boot sent the ball fizzing past Sommer. The goalkeeper was unsighted by two defenders in his eyeline and was motionless as the ball sped towards him.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had enjoyed quiet hour before he was suddenly called into action. 

After Elvedi had won the ball from Insigne, the visitors suddenly had a man over on the left and substitute Steven Zuber forced a double save from Donnarumma. He should probably have done better.

The same could be said for Berardi who fired well over moments later after a rapid counter-attack. 

A very late offside flag allowed Xherdan Shaqiri to fire in a fierce effort that was well blocked, while Immobile - on target against Turkey - showed some familiar flaws in an Italy shirt by shooting wide from an excellent position inside the penalty area. 

If Italy are to mix it with the strongest teams in this competition, they will need their leading marksman to be a little more accurate. 

Immobile did finally take his chance in the 89th minute with an effort from 25 yards that crept in off the post, though Sommer really should have parried it with greater strength and kept it out. 

Source: dailymail.co.uk