Ukraine retreated, quickly hoping to break any Italian counter while the latter sidey spread back out across the pitch, but their worries were unfounded as Donnarumma took his time in getting up and then servicing the ball to his mates.
From there, Italy settled into long spells of possession, and as they did, almost every attack found Leo somewhere near its beginning.
He dropped alongside the centre-backs when they needed an extra passing option, drifted forward when Barella pushed on and was always there again by the time the ball came back.
He kept it moving with little fuss, switching play one moment, threading simple passes through the lines the next and never lingering on the ball long enough for Ukraine to settle around him.
It gave Italy control and most of all, it forced Ukraine to shuffle from side to side, chasing the ball more often than winning it, but for all of Italy's possession, the final opening refused to appear.
