After yesterday's searing defeat, more due to the feeling of impotence shown by the Azzurri than the result, Italy finds itself having to deal with the abacus to understand how it can qualify for the round of 16 .

There is no need for a feat , because the formula with 16 qualified teams out of 24 competing in the groups allows for a good margin of error.

Spain is mathematically first with 6 points in the group , we can reach them but we would still be behind by virtue of the direct clash. The Azzurri follow on 3, Croatia and Albania on 1 point.

Let's start by saying that with a win or a draw, Italy qualifies as second, regardless of the result of Albania-Spain . In that case the Azzurri would go to play the round of 16 on Saturday 29 June at 6pm against the second team in group A, most likely Switzerland (or Germany, if they were to lose to the Swiss on the last day of group A).

But even if we lost to Croatia we could qualify, provided Albania doesn't beat Spain, dropping us back to fourth and last place in the group . With 3 points and third place , the ranking of the best third places must be considered. Four out of six pass , and given the situation that has been created in groups A and C , Italy would have a good chance of returning . We must also pay attention to the goal difference (Italy has a score of 0 at the moment, two goals scored and two conceded). In the event of passage to the round among the best third-placed teams, Italy would play their round of 16 at 9pm on Monday 1st July or at 6pm on Tuesday 2nd, against the first team in group E or F (the first being Belgium surprised in the match debut from Slovakia, the second from Portugal and Turkey).

(Unioneonline/L)