Euro 2020, Italy vs Wales: 3 key battles to watch out for in ITA vs WAL: Italy aim to make it three wins out of three in Group A of Euro 2020 as they lock horns with Wales at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. Roberto Mancini’s men are among the early tournament favourites and can boast a 29-game unbeaten streak.
Wales, on the other hand, produced a remarkable win over Turkey in their last outing and have the best chance of qualifying for the next round as runners-up behind Italy from the group. Ahead of the clash between the two best teams in Group A, we take a closer look at three key battles that can decide the outcome of the game.
Euro 2020, Italy vs Wales: 3 key battles to watch out for in ITA vs WAL:
Euro 2020, Italy vs Wales: Key Battle 1
Manuel Locatelli vs Aaron Ramsey
Locatelli and Ramsey played influential roles to help Italy and Wales secure wins in their respective games last time around. While Locatelli netted a brace against Switzerland, Ramsey opened the scoring for Wales against Turkey.
As their recent display suggests, the two midfielders can push forward and make significant contributions inside the final third. However, on Sunday, Locatelli and Ramsey will have to face each other on the path to do what they are set out to do.
Whoever comes out on top in this midfield battle could have a significant impact on the game.
Euro 2020, Italy vs Wales: Key Battle 2
Gareth Bale vs Giovani Di Lorenzo
Bale proved to be the orchestrator-in-chief for Wales during the win over Turkey. Despite missing a penalty, the winger still did enough on the whole to be judged as his team’s best player.
If not for Ramsey’s woeful finish early on, Bale could have added to his assist count. Against a well-oiled unit like Italy on Sunday, there will be even more hopes pinned on Bale.
The Welshman is expected to come up against Di Lorenzo, who has performed well since replacing Florenzi in the line-up. Although Di Lorenzo has not made any significant contributions going forward, the Napoli full-back has remained solid in defence and will draw confidence from the same ahead of his showdown with Bale.
Euro 2020, Italy vs Wales: Key Battle 3
Domenico Berardi vs Ben Davies
Whenever Berardi gets on the ball, it always feels like Italy can score. The Sassuolo winger has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament and can be a constant threat down the right flank.
Meanwhile, Davies is undoubtedly Wales’ most experienced defender and will have to face his sternest test yet on Sunday against Berardi.
If the Welshman does encounter the hustling and bustling nature of Berardi, this could turn out to be an exciting battle on the flanks.