The Switzerland national team with Borussia players Yann Sommer, Nico Elvedi, Denis Zakaria and Breel Embolo suffered a 3-0 defeat to Italy in their second EURO 2020 group game on Wednesday night.
The Swiss Nati, who had Sommer, Elvedi and Embolo in their starting line-up, had every reason to be confident going into their meeting with neighbours to the south Italy following a strong performance in their unlucky 1-1 draw with Wales, but they were unable to carry the same attacking threat at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The Squadra Azzurra continued their impressive start to the tournament and were deservedly 1-0 up at the break thanks to Manuel Locatelli.
There was no change to proceedings in the second half and Locatelli added his second in the 52nd minute, before Ciro Immobile wrapped up yet another 3-0 win for Italy in the closing stages. Sommer, Elvedi and Embolo played the full 90 minutes, while Zakaria remained an unused substitute on this occasion.
Italy’s win puts them clear at the top of Group A with six points, making them the first side to confirm their place in the last 16 of EURO 2020. Wales sit second with four points after beating last-placed Turkey 2-0 earlier in the day, with Switzerland sandwiched between the pair on one point. The Swiss will play their crucial final group game against Turkey on Sunday at 18:00 CEST. “We’re obviously disappointed, said head coach Vladimir Petkovic. “But if we beat Turkey in the decider, then we have a very good chance of reaching the last 16.”
