EURO 2020 – Wales vs Italy

It’s back on the field for Wales at the EURO 2020. In the Olympic Stadium, they are facing a third challenge in the name of a strong Italian side, currently first in the standings of Group A. As in the opening match, about 15 thousand spectators will be present at the stands of the Olimpico. This is equal to 25% of the stadium’s capacity.

After an opening draw against Switzerland and a 2-0 win against Turkey, Wales is on a good way to reach the round of Last 16. Eventually, the 4 points they have collected so far might already be enough. It’s in their hands, however, one point against favourite Italy would definitely send them through.

Wales vs Italy on TV
🕐 Sunday, 20 June, at 5pm
📺 ITV & S4C
🏟️ Stadio Olimpico, Rome

More specifically, the current standings of Group A sees Italy with 6 points, Wales with 4, Switzerland with 1 point and Turkey with 0.

Wales – Another sensational campaign?

Wales coach Robert Page took over from Ryan Giggs who was removed from the bench for personal reasons. According to Page, his team is “ready to fight and win against Italy” after their excellent performance against Turkey.

The manager was also positive about captain Gareth Bale, who missed a penalty during their second match. Bale is now goalless in 13 consecutive caps. However, the 31-year-old was able to redeem himself a few minutes later by assisting to the second goal. Into a strong asset of the team has certainly developed Aaron Ramsey. Ramsey is pulling the strings in the midfield and has proven himself to be a dangerous threat to the opponent’s goal.

Despite featuring numerous players from the English Championships, Wales is on its best way to tie on the great success of the EURO 2016, when the team sensationally reached the semi-finals. If they manage to defeat Italy, they will even go through as first of the Group A standings.

Mancini’s Italy – Terrifying offensive football

Italy has shone in their performances at the EURO 2020 so far. They left both Turkey (3-0) during the EURO opening match and Switzerland (3-0) in the second round without a chance. It’s definitely a new era of Italian football, which is different to the risk-averse playing style of their past generations.

It is certainly expected that Acerbi will come on for Chiellini, who suffered a muscular injury against Switzerland. But it remains to be seen whether Roberto Mancini has the chance to rest more key players, as they would nominally aim to secure the first spot of the group.

First spot vs second spot

However, the question needs to be addressed, if Italy truly wants to go through as the first-placed team. It may seem paradoxical but, according to the tournament’s draw, the second place may be even more tempting.

Either way, Italy will face a second-placed team. The group winner will play against the second of Group C. Chances are good that this will be the Ukrainians, led by Shevchenko. Ukraine has shown that they are a tactically strong and competitive team with qualitative players of the likes of Yarmolenko, Yaremchuk and Malinovskyi from Atalanta.

On the other hand, the second-placed team of Group A will get the second team of Group B in the round of 16. Neither of Russia, Denmark and Finland, who are the candidates to take this position, have impressed so far at the EURO. Moreover, Belgium could be a potential opponent in the quarters.

Accordingly, the final line-up of Italy may be an indication of the Italian approach. The Welsh team will be happy either way with the qualification to the next stage.

EURO 2020 – Wales vs Italy: TVsportguide’s Prediction

Italy has offered some of the best football in the tournament so far and thus heads into the game as clear favourite. However, Wales has boosted their self-confidence in their first two games, and have proven themselves as tripping stone for favourites before. In addition to that, Italy may not be at full power, as they would be glad to take the second spot in the group, and supposedly the easier draw for the next rounds. This gives space for speculation. We believe, however, that Italy’s quality will prevail. Hence, Wales will get a draw out of the game at most and thus qualify as the second-placed team of Group A.

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