Italy vs Switzerland result: Manuel Locatelli double helps Italy to a 3-0 win against Switzerland to book place in last 16

Although it is difficult to pick a specific turning point in such an emphatic performance, Italy’s opening goal encapsulated the convincing display.

From Bocatelli’s pass to Berardi’s direct running, it set the tempo for much of Italy’s dominance with the finish sending the Italian crowd at the Stadio Olimpico into raptures.

Locatelli was in a punishing mood tonight in the final third, consistently playing on the front foot.

He managed more touches in the opposing penalty area this evening than all of Switzerland’s forward players combined.

He rubber-stamped a glorious performance with a well-taken second, drilling the ball into the bottom corner as Sommer remained rooted to his position.

The more one watches Italy, the more they convince that they are a contender for this tournament.

Roberto Mancini’s men put in another eye-catching performance and, having qualified for the last 16, the real question might be how far will they go?

For Switzerland, all is not lost yet with twice-beaten Turkey still to come for them on Sunday, and the four best-finishing third-placed teams in the six groups progressing to the next round.

It is 10 games and some 965 minutes since Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was beaten in goal. Italy have scored 31 unanswered goals during that time.

Italy host Wales in Rome, while Switzerland travel to Baku to face Turkey.

Both fixtures will take place on June 20.

(Photo: Getty Images)