Italy’s dominant victory against Switzerland also put them within two games of equalling their all-time best clean-sheet run spanning between 1972 and 1974.
Italy
Italy became the first team to seal qualification to the knockout round at Euro 2020 after registering their tenth consecutive victory ‘to-nil’. That dominant victory against Switzerland also put them within two games of equalling their all-time best clean-sheet run spanning between 1972 and 1974. Another clean sheet here would not only see Italy clinch the first spot in Group A but also equal their existing all-time record of 30 games unbeaten that was set back in 1939. The ’Azzurri’ will be aiming to win all three group matches for only the second time in their history – a feat that was spoiled on matchday three of Euro 2016 by another team from the British Isles (2-1 loss to the Republic of Ireland).
However, with each of their previous ten consecutive wins arriving despite a -1 handicap and eight after an HT lead, Italy will be highly confident of grabbing another three points here.
Wales
Wales need only one point to secure their second qualification for the knockout phase in as many appearances at the European Championships. However, even a loss could see them qualify in second or as one of the best-ranked third-placed sides regardless. However, after suffering only two losses in the last 12 outings, Robert Page’s side will have no fear when they walk out at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Despite being outsiders, Wales might surprise Italy early as they’ve now led ’to-nil’ at HT in four of their all-time five group matches at the Euros. Nonetheless, with 46.15 per cent (six) of their all-time goals at the Euros coming beyond the hour mark, the ‘Dragons’ could still burn their hosts late on.
Last time out, Manuel Locatelli became the third player to score a brace for Italy at the European Championships – three of his previous five competitive strikes have been match openers in the first half-hour. Conversely, Wales’ Aaron Ramsey has scored five of his last seven competitive goals after HT.
Italy have lost only two of their last 21 matches against teams from the British Isles.