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Italy will step out onto the Wembley Stadium turf this evening with expectant eyes all on the Azzurri following their most impressive start to Euro 2020.
While some might say that their path through the group stages has been far from a perilous journey, Italy are back on the international stage with a group of players and management staff who have already restored pride in the national game.
Following impressive displays in their opening victories against Turkey and Switzerland, Roberto Mancini rested nine players from their 1-0 win over Wales last weekend. Despite the number of changes, the level of performance showed the depth in the squad and togetherness of the group.
Italy’s last defeat came at the hands of Portugal in September 2018, and whilst Mancini’s men have gone on a 30 match unbeaten run in between, they are yet to face one of FIFA’s top 10 ranked teams since.
They will have to progress further in the competition to meet one of those top-ranked sides with this evening’s challenge that poses itself in the face of 24th ranked Austria.
In second place, the Austrian’s progression out of Group C saw them cruise to a 3-1 victory over North Macedonia. That was followed up with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands, but if there were any signs of pressure, they came through their final game with flying colours against Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine in a 1-0 win.
Tonight’s game will mark the Austrian’s first-ever foray into the knockout stages of the European Championships, and going back through the history books, their last progression into those stages came back in the 1954 World Cup.
Already a historic occasion, the biggest threat that lies for the Italians is the sense of belief that Austria can cause an upset with not a lot to lose at Wembley this evening. Whether they will have the guile and craft to break down a stubborn Italian defence yet to concede in the tournament will be another question.
As a collective, the Austrian’s performance against Ukraine showed that they could play as well as rely on their physicality to impose themselves on teams.
The ability of Real Madrid’s David Alaba should need no introduction to the Italians. Still, in Marcel Sabitzer and Marco Arnautovic, Austria are capable of causing problems, arguably greater than what the Azzurri have come up against so far in the tournament. Austria manager Franco Foda feels his side shouldn’t be written off.
“We are the outsiders in this clash, as Italy are favourites both against us and in general to win Euro 2020. Mancini has really improved the side, as they play wonderful football, are super organised and always play on the attack.
“However, we want to have our say and anything is possible in football, especially in a one-off match like this. Austria are solid, aggressive in the pressing and have excellent individual talents.”
Mancini will be left with a few selection headaches this evening following the return of Marco Verratti. The Paris Saint Germain midfielder was excellent in midfield next to Jorginho against the Welsh and encapsulated all that his manager is demanding from his players; heart and desire with a heavy sprinkling of finesse for added measure.
With Manuel Locatelli bagging a brace against the Swiss and Nicolo Barella having a hand in four of Italy’s opening five goals, Mancini really is spoilt for choice in the midfield area. What seems likely to play in the manager’s favour is that any of those players missing out will be willing their teammates on from the sidelines, ready to play their parts when called upon.
“We can count on talented players, so we are not worried. Whoever plays will continue the good work we’ve done so far. We’ll see tomorrow for the doubts, but we’ve basically got our team.
“It’s a pleasure for a coach to be given this ‘difficulty of choosing between great players, especially knowing there are 11 who start, but the others are all ready to come in and change the game. That is a luxury for us.” – Roberto Mancini
In the final third, both Federico’s, Chiesa and Bernadeschi, also impressed against Wales. Still, they will be expected to make way for the rested Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Berardi, who have played starring roles in the tournament so far. Ciro Immobile will also be expected to return in the lone striker role.
In greater significance will be the fitness of Georgio Chiellini. The 36-year-old, who had limped off against the Swiss with a hamstring injury, is still not ready for action despite returning to training. Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi will be set to continue alongside Leonardo Bonucci at centre back.
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