Prediction: Italy vs Wales

Prediction: Italy win

Best Odds: 8/17

Bookmaker: 888sport

In the blink of an eye, we’ve arrived at the final set of group stage fixtures for UEFA Euro 2020 – starting with Group A. The foundations of the knockout stage are already beginning to be laid out and in the very first group that kicked things off last Friday, the picture is already becoming quite clear. Today, we’re going to take a look at the final day clash between Italy and Wales, the two nations that have really been able to step up and be counted thus far.

Italy

When discussing the favourites for Euro 2020 just a few short months ago, Italy were criminally left off of the list by many pundits and fans alike. Now, the same people are being made to eat their words with the Italians registering two big wins to prove they aren’t here to mess around. If they can inflict the same fate on the Welsh and keep yet another clean sheet in doing so, they’ll easily be the most feared nation heading into the knockouts.

Team News

Pellegrini has been ruled out through injury with Italy having a few other fitness doubts to concern themselves with in the form of Verratti, Florenzi and Chiellini, all of whom are carrying knocks.

Wales

After being written off by many to begin the tournament, Wales now find themselves in a great position whereby they are seemingly destined to qualify for the Round of 16. Where they’re able to go and what they’re able to achieve from there is anyone’s guess, but we’d imagine they’ll just be happy to enjoy the ride right now. They’ve got impact players, they’ve got those who aren’t afraid to get stuck in, and they’ve got the most important element of all – team unity.

Team News

Wales are nothing if not consistent with no players currently experiencing any injury problems as of this writing. As such, they’re tipped to name the same starting XI as their first two games with Ramsey and Bale leading the charge.

Factors to Consider

• Italy have six points from two games whereas Wales have four points from two games.
• Italy have averaged 3.5 goals per game across their last six, keeping six clean sheets.
• Wales are favourites to finish bottom of the group coming into the tournament.
• Italy are now priced as the second favourites to win Euro 2020.
• Wales are still priced at 80/1 with some bookmakers to win Euro 2020.

Conclusion

Wales are going to give Italy their toughest game of the Euros so far but we just don’t think it’ll be enough for them to get anything from the game. They should still finish in second place provided they don’t receive a battering but really, this is a free hit for them. Italy look unstoppable right now but will want to conserve their energy for the knockouts, whereas the Welsh will hope to build as much momentum as they possibly can – with the end result, in our view, being a 1-0 win for the Azzurri.

Prediction: Italy win

Best Odds: 8/17

Bookmaker: 888sport