Wales are through to the last 16 of the delayed Euro 2020 after losing 1-0 to an impressive Italy side and Ceredigion football stalwart Jon Foligno, who has Welsh and Italian heritage, has given his verdict on the game.

Foligno, a stalwart for Penrhyncoch for 10 years having also represented Aberystwyth Town and Caernarfon Town, said: “That’s about as good a result as I could ask for. Italy win, Wales through.”

Foligno, whose father’s side of the family hails from Bardi in Italy, not far from Parma, added: “I thought Wales did well to get through it with 10 men and showed amazing character.

“Hopefully we will meet again in the final!”

Rob Page’s Cymru side were underdogs going into the match at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico but knew that a draw would guarantee second place in Group A, and if they lost Switzerland would have to overcome a five-goal goal difference swing to finish runners-up.

Brave Wales were outplayed by Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri in the first half but nearly held on to go into the break on level terms until Matteo Pessina ran onto a free kick into the box to deftly direct the ball past diving Wales keeper Danny Ward.

The visitors didn’t let their heads drop but their cause was dealt a massive blow when Ethan Ampadu, playing in the centre of a back line of three central defenders, was somewhat harshly sent off early in the second half.

The young defender did stamp on Federico Bernardeschi in the 55th minute as he made an honest attempt to win the ball and most spectators expected a yellow card at the most.

But the man in the middle, Ovidiu Hategan, produced a red card much to the horror of Ampadu, the Red Wall inside the stadium and the many thousands watching at home.

With Switzerland beating Turkey 3-1 going into the closing stages, second place in the group was still very much up for grabs, but the valiant 10-men kept Italy at bay to confirm their progress into the last 16 for the second tournament running.