Euro 2020: Azzurri Aiming For 100%

Italy vs Wales

Italy continue their assault on Euro 2020 on Sunday in their final group game at the Stadio Olimpico against Wales.

At 1.48 to win here at SBOTOP, Roberto Mancini’s team looks nailed on tp make it three wins from three, having completed their qualification campaign with a 100-per cent record.

They won their two openers in convincing style and their fans will see no reason why they shouldn’t make it three wins against Wales.

Since he took over as head coach after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Roberto Mancini has turned the Azzurri into a team with the legendary organisation of Italian sides of the past but with added flair.

Wales will arrive in Rome in good spirits though, with qualification for the knockout phase in their hands after a big win against Turkey on Wednesday night.

 

Talking Points

Italy have become serious contenders

The football world sat up to take notice of Italy’s form at the start if this tournament and the Euro 2020 betting odds have reacted quickly, lifting the Azzurri to the heights of second favourites behind France.

But their start was no surprise after they won every single qualifying game which is a chilling statement to their rivals. Indeed, missing out on Russia 2018 is an experience which has made the Azzurri tougher and even more determined.

With the legendary duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci at the back, who oversaw 10 consecutive clean sheets, Italy is as granite-like as ever. But Mancini has inspired an attacking spirit in his side with a new generation of dynamic players.        

23 year-old Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli scored twice against Switzerland and he’s just one of Italy’s players who are beginning to look like word beaters.

Inter Milan’s 24-year-old Nicolo Barella is a classy operator while Juventus striker Federico Chiesa is a real live wire with electric pace and is growing in confidence.

Cheslea’s Jorginho and Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne add more creative experience and Italy have a striker banging in form.

Ciro Immobile has scored in both Italy’s wins against Switzerland and Turkey, so with two goals already he’s certainly in the hunt for the Golden Boot.

The Lazio man has been prolific in domestic football. He’s a three-time Capocannoniere holder and was winner of the European Golden Shoe in 2020, outscoring even Robert Lewandowski when he ended up with 36 league goals.

If Immobile can replicate his Lazio form with the Azzurri, then we could be looking at the tournament winners.

 

Red Dragons are almost there

Having been thrown into the spotlight following the rapid departure of head coach Ryan Giggs, Wales interim boss Robert Page must be delighted by his teams’ Euro 2020 results which have exceeded most pundits’ expectations.   

Kieffer Moore’s late header gave Wales a vital point in a tough match against Switzerland when the Dragons were under pressure for long periods, and they followed that up with a brilliant victory over Turkey in the red-hot atmosphere of Baku.

After a difficult game against Switzerland, Gareth Bale was back to his best in the crucial match in Azerbaijan.

He teed Aaron Ramsay up for the opener and, despite missing a second half penalty, Bale inspired his team on to a two-goal win as they repelled everything the Turks could throw at them and even doubled their lead when Connor Roberts scored deep into injury time.

Manchester United winger Daniel James has had a testing season at Old Trafford but he’s blossoming on the international stage, and his tireless running provides a vital outlet for Wales.

 

History

Italy won the European Championship back in 1968, and despite winning the World Cup four times, that remains their only Euro title. Could 2021 be the second?

Having been away from the finals scene for decades, Wales made a spectacular re-appearance in 2016 where they made the semifinals before going out to Portugal.

Italy have won three of the previous four meetings with Wales, but this is their first clash since 2003 when the Azzurri ran out 4-0 winners.

The Azzurri’s current form is the best in the world since they’re unbeaten in 29 games. They’re unbeaten in 26 at home and they have won their last 10 matches in all competitions, scoring 31 unanswered goals.

Is there any hope for Wales in this one?

 

Betting Tip

	Italy vs Wales	Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.86
	June 21, 00:00 (GMT+8)

The draw is at 3.75 and Wales are at 6.60 to win, but neither of those results strikes me as a likely outcome.

Not only are the Azzurri in scintillating form, the home advantage at the Stadio Olimpico makes them an irresistible force and I can only see one winner, though Wales still have a great chance of qualifying.

However, I think the best value is in the goals market.

For a correct scoreline, 2-0 to Italy is available at 5.60, while a third 3-0 win on the bounce is at odds of 10.00.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (Highly confident)	= €10 (CONFIDENT)	= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

 

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