Italy vs Wales: Preview, predictions, team news, betting tips and odds
Wales look all-but certain to reach the last-16 of Euro 2020 as they head into their final group game against Italy in Rome.
Robert Page’s side sit on four points after a superb victory over Turkey in their second match and that tally will almost certainly be enough to take them through, as one of the best third-placed teams at least.
Italy have been arguably the tournament’s most impressive team so far, securing qualification with back-to-back 3-0 wins over Switzerland and Turkey.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Photo: Telegraph UK |
Italy vs Wales is scheduled for an 5pm BST kick-off on Sunday, June 20, 2021.
The match will be held at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Italy vs Wales team news
Roberto Mancini is unlikely to risk captain Giorgio Chiellini even if he is fit after being forced off early in the win over Switzerland, but Marco Veratti is likely to feature after missing the first two games as he recovers from injury.
With their place in the last-16 already secure, Mancini could rotate, with the likes of Federico Chiesa and Andrea Belotti options.
Wales boss Robert Page has suggested he could rotate his side as he looks to manage the workload of several players who have not played consistently for their clubs this season.
Italy possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Emerson; Verratti, Cristante, Barella; Bernardeschi, Belotti, Chiesa
Wales possible starting lineup:
Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Gunter, Williams; Morrell, Allen; Bale, Wilson, James
Italy vs Wales match preview
Photo: Besthqwallpapers |
After snatching a somewhat fortunate point off Switzerland in their opening game, Wales produced a superb display to see off Turkey 2-0 on Wednesday.
It was a performance that brought back memories of 2016 and their famous run to the semi-finals of the last Euros, with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey stepping up on the night.
Bale may have skied a penalty, but he set up Ramsey for the opening goal and then teed up Connor Roberts late on for a killer second.
That win leaves Wales all but assured of a place in the last 16 for the second tournament running due to the fact that four of the best third-placed sides advance.
A point will guarantee second place, a win will see them through as group winners, while a defeat may also see them progress as runners-up should Switzerland fail to beat Turkey.
Rob Page is likely to take the opportunity to rotate his side for this trip to Rome, meaning that his key men will be fit for the last 16.
The Azzurri have won their first two games 3-0, against Turkey and then Switzerland, having previously failed to score three goals in a game at the European Championships.
Italy are now unbeaten in their last 29 matches in all competitions, winning 24 of those since a 1-0 loss to Portugal in September 2018.
If they avoid defeat against Wales, they will equal their all-time longest unbeaten run of 30 games between November 1935 and July 1939.
It has been quite the turnaround for Italy after missing out on the last World Cup, though with good performances and results comes added expectation.
The last three matches between Italy and Wales played on Italian soil have produced 11 goals, all scored by Italy.
Italy vs Wales Prediction
The two teams have an ample amount of quality in their squad and we expect this will be a thrilling contest. Italy could field a weaker side after already qualifying for the next round and we predict Wales will fight for an all-important point.
Prediction: Italy 1-1 Wales
Italy vs Wales Betting tips
Mancini’s men on form
Both Italy and Wales know that there is not exactly too much riding on their Group A game, with Italy having already guaranteed their place in the knockouts and Wales knowing only a freak turn of events will stop them from joining the Azzurri in the next round.
Roberto Mancini’s side have won 12 of their last 14 games, drawing the other two, with the Azzurri conceding just once during this run.
They are unbeaten in their last 29 games across all competitions, winning 24 and drawing five, with Portugal being the last side to defeat them – in September 2018.
No team is in better form than Italy at Euro 2020 so far. Even if Wales lose, they are still likely to make the knockouts. Expect the Italians to continue their fine attacking and defensive form on Sunday.
Tip: Italy to win to nil @ 21/20 with 888sport
Immobile on the ball
Photo: Getty Images |
Ciro Immobile is currently tied with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Euro 2020 Golden Boot, with the Lazio forward having scored once in both of his two games so far.
The Lazio man has averaged five shots a game over his two Euro 2020 appearances so far, with only the Czech Republic’s Patrick Schick averaging more.
He has found the net in five of his last six games for Mancini’s side, and he had an impressive 25-goal season for his club side.
Wales have allowed 36 shots in their two games so far. We are sure Immobile will be licking his lips at that statistic as he prepares for Italy’s final group game on Sunday.
Tip: Ciro Immobile any-time scorer @ 23/20 with 888sport
Italy leading at the break
Mancini’s side have been leading at half-time in 10 of their last 14 games, with this run including their previous Euro 2020 fixture against Turkey.
They will largely look to dominate possession early on against the Welsh, with Rob Page’s side set to be forced to play on the counter against an Italy team who are expecting to win on Sunday.
The Welsh defence is certainly there to be unpicked, having allowed 18 shots in each of their two group A games so far. Wth Italy boasting the attacking talent they do, expect the Azzurri to come out of the blocks firing against Wales on Sunday afternoon.
Tip: Italy to win the first half @ 21/20 with 888sport
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