Incredibile, grandissimo. Incredible, great. The Nati take Italy apart in the round of 16 and advance to the quarter-finals. Here are the grades for the Berlin national team party.
Goal
Yann Sommer
Inter's master goalkeeper can't really distinguish himself - that's how harmless the Italians are. No mistakes and a little help from the post.
Defense
Fabian Schär
Has his opponents under control. The master of the air goes forward with every stationary ball. Hugely unlucky that his failed defensive attempt in the 52nd minute landed on his own post.
Defense
Manuel Akanji
Much less of a challenge than against Germany. Even less than against Scotland. Defensive boss Akanji has things under control, seemingly effortlessly. Remained error-free apart from one small misplaced pass.
Defense
Ricardo Rodriguez
The Torino captain, whose contract is about to expire, doesn't give Scamacca, Chiesa & Co. the slightest chance. Wherever they pass the ball, he's usually already there. Also joins the attack. Very strong.
Midfield
Dan Ndoye
Darmian, Bastoni or Barella, no Italian is a match for Ndoye's speed. Always dangerous going forward, not quite as solid at the back. But that's not necessary against this harmless Italy.
Midfield
Remo Freuler
A little provocation towards Italy before the game, then the Bologna star sinks the Azzurri on the pitch: he takes the ball on the right in the 37th minute and smashes it into the net on the left. He also covered the most meters of all with 11.89 kilometers. Magnificent.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka
His thigh seems to be tweaking, his replacement Sierro warms up early. But Xhaka pulls it off. Always playable because the Italians inexplicably leave him a lot of space. By far the most contact with the ball, hardly a single misplaced pass.
Midfield
Michel Aebischer
Tough as nails against the ball, extremely willing to run. Only Xhaka and Freuler ran more that evening. Great performance, with one exception, when he is duped at the back, he has his side under control.
Sturm
Fabian Rieder
Constant troublemaker, runs into every free space and tough in tackles. Wonderful free kick that Donnarumma deflects against the post. Cheeky, confident and extremely agile. Strong performance.
Storm
Breel Embolo
The battering ram up front in the center, not quite as sure of the ball as his teammates. Misses a top chance in the 24th minute when he gets stuck by Donnarumma.
Forward
Ruben Vargas
Far too lively and light-footed for the Italians. Can only be stopped by being pulled off his feet. And then there's his efficiency: he assists the 1:0 and scores the 2:0 himself with a world-class shot. The best!
Substitute players
Defense
Leonidas Stergiou
Came on for Rieder in the 72nd minute. Too short for a rating.
Midfield
Vincent Sierro
Came on for Ndoye in the 77th minute. Too short for a rating.
Midfield
Renato Steffen
Came on for Aebischer in the 92nd minute. Too short for a rating.
Forward
Steven Zuber
Came on for Vargas in the 71st minute. Too short for a rating.
Sturm
Kwadwo Duah
Came on for Embolo in the 77th minute. Too short for a rating.
