Invulnerable Italy, wonderful Wales, scintillating Switzerland, and turgid Turkey; Euro 2020’s Group A wasn’t the most exciting, but it did provide for some amazing moments.
From Italy’s opening night thrashing of Turkey to Gareth Bale’s masterclass against the same opposition on matchday two, we analyze what went down in Group A.
Combined XI (4-3-3)
GK: Danny Ward (Wales)
Defenders: Conor Roberts (Wales), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy), Joe Rodon (Wales), Leonardo Spinazzola (Italy)
Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Wales), Jorginho (Italy), Manuel Locatelli (Italy)
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Wales), Ciro Immobile (Italy), Breel Embolo (Switzerland)
Wales’ outstanding defensive displays earn three from their defense a place in the combined XI of the group – including goalkeeper Danny Ward – while star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey also make the cut thanks to their performance against Turkey.
Jorginho – a key component of Roberto Mancini’s Italy – started all three games and put in brilliant displays as the deepest of the three midfielders, while Manuel Locatelli was the breakout star of the group.
Swiss forward Breel Embolo was the game-changer for their side and helped them secure a place in the knockouts with excellent performances. The other and last Azzurri man is the one they doubted the most, Ciro Immobile.