Matteo Pessina of Italy in celebration for the opening goal against Wales during their Euro 2020 group match in Rome, Italy, June 20, 2021. /CFP
Italy finished top of their Euro 2020 group on Sunday as Matteo Pessina's first half goal helped a much-changed Azzurri side beat 10-man Wales 1-0 in Rome, while the visitors held on to second place despite the defeat.
The Italians had already guaranteed their progress from Group A, but they assured themselves of first place with victory, while Wales secured a last-16 berth too by finishing ahead of Switzerland on goal difference.
The Swiss, who could still advance as one of the four best third-placed teams, beat Turkey 3-1 in Baku on Sunday.
Italy will face the runners-up of Group C next in London on June 26, while Wales will take on the runners-up of Group B on the same day in Amsterdam.
Players of Italy celebrate their 1-0 win over Wales during the Euro 2020 group match in Rome, Italy, June 20, 2021. /CFP
Roberto Mancini's side are now unbeaten in 30 games, equaling their all-time best run recorded from 1935 to 1939, and kept a clean sheet for an 11th consecutive match to underline their credentials as potential tournament winners.
"We are happy. But we know that after the group stage we start a new European championship, now it will be different," Mancini said.
"This is because the guys are very clever and they wanted to win every game, they have a good mentality. I am very happy also for this reason, because we changed eight players and we played a very good game."
Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland celebrates after scoring their team's third goal against Turkey during their Euro 2020 group match in Baku, Azerbaijan, June 20, 2021. /CFP
In Baku, Xherdan Shaqiri's superb double helped them secure third place in Group A with a 3-1 win over a dismal Turkey, who were sent packing after another defeat.
Turkey, who finished fourth with three defeats, were tipped as pre-tournament dark horses but instead will head home after a hugely disappointing campaign that saw them lose all three games, conceding eight goals and scoring only once.
The game encapsulated Turkey's tournament, as they began full of fire and fury and started at a scintillating pace, only to collapse quickly as Switzerland outmaneuvered them tactically to take an early lead.
Haris Seferovic of Switzerland scores the opening goal against Turkey during their Euro 2020 group match in Baku, Azerbaijan, June 20, 2021. /CFP
The Swiss took the lead when Haris Seferovic received a pass from Steven Zuber on the edge of the area before rifling the ball into the bottom right corner in the sixth minute.
Exasperated, Turkey regrouped and tried again, only to go 2-0 down 20 minutes later when Zuber found Shaqiri in a similar position, and he curled an exquisite shot beyond the despairing dive of Ugurcan Cakir.
Turkey had their chances, but Swiss keeper Yann Sommer made a string of superb first-half saves as they searched for their first goal of the tournament.
Irfan Kahveci finally delivered it, salvaging some pride for the Turks in the 62nd minute with a spectacular strike from distance to reduce the deficit.
Whatever joy their thousands of supporters in the stands felt was short-lived as their shortcomings were shown up again six minutes later as Shaqiri fired home another Zuber pass to complete a surging counter-attack.
Players of Turkey look dejected after their Euro 2020 group match with Switzerland in Baku, Azerbaijan, June 20, 2021. /CFP
With Shaqiri withdrawn, Granit Xhaka hit a post with a powerful free kick as the Swiss continued to chase the goals that might have enabled them to take second spot, but to no avail.
With Burak Yilmaz was left isolated up front, the Turkish challenge fell away. All too often, they settled for wild shots from distance, but it was the defense that was the source of their problems.
"I think we played like a unit, and it was crucial today against this team. We knew if we play good we're going to create a lot of chances against this team, and we did so," Shaqiri told BEIN Sports.