The UEFA EURO 2020 will now head to the knockout stages with 16 of the 24 teams qualifying for the same. While Denmark will face Wales in the very first fixture of the Round Of 16, Italy will take on Austria in the second encounter of the day.
Italy
Italy have turned a serious corner under Roberto Mancini and have been one of the sides to watch out so far. The Azzuri have been perfect in the group stages with remarkably comfortable wins over Turkey, Switzerland, and Wales.
One of the key areas of focus for Italy, right through the course of the tournament and even during the buildup, has been their stonewall defence.
Italy, who are also on a record unbeaten run, have kept cleansheets after cleansheets with their last goal conceded being in 2019 at the hands of Netherlands.
However, the formidable backline will not be at full strength for this encounter as Giorgio Chiellini and Alessandro Florenzi are major doubts due to injury.
Mancini will have to employ the use of the bench to find a centre back to partner Leonardo Bonucci with.
The real selection headache arguably lies in the midfield with four names jostling for three spots. The return of Marco Verratti has been a welcome addition for the 2016 Euros quarter-finalists. In their final fixture of the group against Wales, Verratti ran the show in the middle of the park and could start alongside Jorginho and Barella.
Orchestrated by Lorenzo Insigne, the Italy attack have been relentless, amassing 20 shots per game. Federico Chiesa emerged as a candidate for selection following his splendid display against Wales.
Austria
The landlocked nation secured their first-ever knockouts spot in Euros after wins over Ukraine and North Macedonia in the group stages.
They will have to face the mighty Italians without the presence of their fans with the match being held at the Wembley Stadium in England.
David Alaba has led the side with his floating role and will return to Wembley with fond memories. The skipper was part of the illustrious Bayern Munich’s treble campaign in 2013 that culimated at the stadium in a 2-1 win over rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.
Coach Franco Foda has often tweaked with the formation and may be encouraged to opt for a defensive one with their massive underdog tag hovering around. Three at a back could be the route to go for with Alaba leading the back line.
Waging Odds: Italy (1.50) vs Austria (7.50) (Draw 4.00)
Italy are favourites and are priced at 1.50, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹150.
Austria are priced at 7.50 and are the underdogs. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹750 if they come out as winners.
The odds for a draw are placed at 4.00. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹400 if the fixture ends all level.
Our Prediction
The spotlight will be on Italy’s defence, and rightly so. Having played flawless football so far, the Italians could punch a ticket into the quarter-finals with a professional performance over the Austrians.
It will take a massive effort across all areas of the pitch for Austria to topple Italy. A routine 2-0 win for Italy is on the cards here and they will await the winner of Belgium vs Portugal in the quarter-finals.
Place your bets for the match here.
Also Read:
