In the final matchday of the Euro 2020 Group Stages, Italy faces Wales at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, after sweeping aside their first two Group A opponents without conceding a goal. Wales started Euro 2020 with a draw against Switzerland and a 2-0 win over Turkey last time out. For a team that has touted to finish on the bottom of Group A, they certainly haven’t done themselves a disservice.
Italy v Wales Odds
Italy on the charge
After starting their Euro 2020 campaign with two successive 3-0 wins, the Azzurri has also become the first team to reach the last 16 of Euro 2020. Italy has also extended their unbeaten run to 29 matches in all competitions. The last time they tasted defeat was against Portugal in the second round of the UEFA Nations League nearly three years ago!
With a throng of star players like Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne as well as Marco Verratti, Nicolo Barella and veteran Giorgio Chiellini, Italy has the personnel to keep on winning. They can unlock the tightest of defences and are excellent at pressing their opponents, even when out of possession.
But what’s been especially impressive about Italy so far in Euro 2020 is how organised they’ve been both going forward and in defence. Players like Chiellini’s ability to read the game from the back has been key for Italy. His reliable support network, which includes the likes of Di Lorenzo and Bonucci are both physically strong and extremely resolute as a unit. So much so, that Italy has now kept a clean sheet in their last 10 victories!
Wales also not looking too shabby
Goals from Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts earned Wales a 2-0 victory over Turkey, putting them in a good position to progress from Group A. It’s safe to say that if Wales were offered four points after the first two games before the tournament started, they’d have taken them.
A solid performance from Aaron Ramsey is key if Wales are going to have success against Italy. The central midfielder will need to link up well with captain Gareth Bale to ensure their forwards get enough chances at goal. Even more importantly, the Welsh defence led by Ben Davies and Connor Roberts must be on high alert to guard their goal from the likes of Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne.
Key players to watch
Ciro Immobile: The Lazio striker has been the standout man for Italy having notched two goals and an assist in their two wins so far.
Manuel Locatelli: Playing his club football in Serie A for Sassuolo, this Italian forward is bossing the midfield but also contributing goals for Italy.
Gareth Bale: The Spurs frontman needs no introduction. Bale was involved in both goals against Turkey and he’ll be in the thick of it again when Wales meet Italy in Rome.
Head to head statistics
Italy and Wales have faced off six times in international competition with their most recent encounter being way back in 2003. Italy has won 5 out of the 6 matches between the sides, scoring 4 goals in 3 of those wins. It’s hard to glean much from these results as the makeup of both teams is entirely different, even if we only go back as far as their last meeting.
The final word
Italy has already booked their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2020 and Wales also look likely to progress regardless of what happens here. With that in mind, we expect a fairly open game in Rome that won’t be played as tightly as some of the Group Stage matches have been.
With Italy’s strong defence, backing lots of goals might not be the best bet as they might well keep a clean sheet. Instead, we’ll bank on the Italians to continue their goal-scoring form and also make a prediction as to which member of the Azzurri will get on the scoresheet.
Italy vs Wales Betting Tips
- Back Italy to win to nil @ odds of 2.10 with BET.co.za
- Back Italy Halftime/Italy Fulltime @ odds of 2.15 with Betway South Africa
- Back Lorenzo Insigne to outscore Wales @ odds of 4.50 with Sportingbet
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