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Italy recorded a commanding win in an international friendly on Friday, beating the Czech Republic 4-0 at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium. With this result, the Azzurri managed to keep a clean sheet in both their friendlies ahead of EURO 2020 as they head into the tournament full of confidence.
The hosts were clearly the better side on the night, as their quick and effective transitions caused a lot of trouble for the visitors. They scored twice in each half, with Ciro Immobile opening the scoring in the 23rd minute. Nicola Barella doubled Italy's lead just before half-time, though he was helped by a significant deflection.
Despite their two-goal cushion, Italy continued to look for more goals. Their efforts bore fruit, as Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Berardi rounded up the scoring to seal an emphatic win for the Azzurri.
Czech Republic never stood a chance against the rampant hosts and barely tested Gianluigi Donnarumma. It was another impressive performance by Roberto Mancini's men, who seem to have the right balance of youth and experience in their ranks.
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On that note, let's have a take a look at five talking points from the game.
#1 Italy's attack impresses
Italy produced a wonderful attacking display against the Czech Republic. They created 17 chances, including seven shots on target. The hosts were always on the move, and the combination of Insigne and Berardi ensured there was a lot of pace and energy in the final third.
Italy's EURO 2020 squad, a decent mix of youth and experience, have an impressive attacking arsenal. The likes of Insigne, Berardi and Immobile were all on target and work well in combination, which makes Italy a favourite to qualify from Group A in EURO 2020.
#2 Czech Republic struggle to get going against Italy
Whether it was lack of training or a call from the manager to play cautiously, Czech Republic failed to impress against Italy.
They could only manage one shot on target, which came in the second half. For the better part of the game, they were forced to fall back and defend against an inspired Italian attack.
Czech Republic have a chance to give themselves a boost ahead of their EURO 2020 campaign, as they take on Albania in a friendly next week.
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#3 Italy make it eight wins in a row
Italy have been on a purple patch since failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Their win over Czech Republic was their eighth across all competitions, including friendlies. More impressively, they haven't conceded a goal during this period, a first in Italy's history.
Since their 0-1 loss to Portugal in the Nations League, Italy are now unbeaten in 23 games in all competitions. Considering their imperious form, the Azzurri could be one of the teams to watch out for at Euro 2020.
#4 Domenico Berardi impresses for Italy once again
Domenico Berardi has been playing for Italy since making his debut under Mancini in 2018, but he had to wait over two years to score his first goal.
He opened his account for the Azzurri last October and has since scored four more. Berardi was in great form for Sassuolo in 2020-21, and it seems he has continued that form in Italy colours.
The 2013-14 Serie B Player of the Season scored 17 goals in the 2020-21 Serie A and could be key for Italy at EURO 2020, thanks to his quick feet, tenacity and finishing skills.
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#5 Italy continue their defensive renaissance under Mancini
Italy have been a team reborn under Roberto Mancini. They have had one of the best defensive records in international football since 2018.
The Azzurri haven't conceded more than one goal in a game since a 1-3 loss to France in a friendly in 2018. Their defensive solidity should stand them in good stead at EURO 2020, where Italy could be one of the dark horses for the title.
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