Wales will be looking to confirm their spot in the knockout phase of Euro 2020 when they face already-qualified Italy in Rome on Sunday.
Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Turkey saw the Welsh all but secure a place in the last 16. They now sit second in Group A – three points ahead of third-place Switzerland.
#EURO2020 Group A is looking good! 🤩#ITA #ITASUI #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/AQa08CRuE0— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) June 16, 2021
#EURO2020 Group A is looking good! 🤩#ITA #ITASUI #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/AQa08CRuE0
At the top of the group, Italy find themselves two point clear of Wales and became the first nation to qualify for the knockout stage on Wednesday.
Roberto Mancini’s men kicked off their European Championship campaign with a win 3-0 win over Turkey.
The Azzurri then booked their place in the round of 16 with another 3-0 win, this time beaten Switzerland.
Manuel Locatelli bagged a brace against the Swiss, while there was also a goal for Ciro Immobile, who netted against Turkey last week.
Remarkably, Italy’s winning streak now stands at ten games in all competitions. On top of that, they also boast a 29-match unbeaten run.
But perhaps most impressively, Mancini’s men haven’t conceded a goal in their previous ten outings and have scored 31 goals along the way.
Meanwhile, Wales produced an excellent team performance to dispatch Turkey 2-0 in Azerbaijan on Wednesday.
Gareth Bale missed a penalty but provided an assist for both Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts to put the Dragons of the cusp of last-16 qualification.
Wales drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their tournament opener, meaning they have taken four points from a possible six so far.
Looking at the bigger picture, Wales have only suffered one defeat in their previous 15 encounters in all competitions.
Even if Robert Page’s men lose to Italy on Sunday, they should have enough points to reach the knockout phase.
Head-to-head: Italy and Wales have faced each other nine times over the years. The Azzurri have picked up seven wins, while the Dragons have claimed two victories.
Italy crushed Wales 4-0 in their most recent meeting, although that was all the way back in Euro 2004 qualifying.
Team news: Italy are likely to be without key centre-back Giorgio Chiellini after the veteran picked up an injury against Switzerland.
Page named the same starting XI for the games against Switzerland and Turkey, so the Wales head coach could be tempted to shake things up on Sunday.
The Dragons produced an eye-catching display to overcome Turkey in midweek, but they are likely to struggle against in-form Italy.
Forebet predicts that Italy will keep yet another clean sheet on their way to beating Wales on Sunday.