The big day has come. Italy and England meet in the finals of EURO 2020 at Wembley. We expect to see one massive spectacle ahead of 65,000 noisy fans, most of England’s. The Three Lions played away from London just once throughout the entire competition, in the quarterfinals against Ukraine. On the other hand, Italy opened the EURO and played the first three games at home before going all over the continent before reaching up to the English capital.
This is a football classic, so it would be worth reading our preview in the next few minutes.
Preview
Italy scored 12 goals on their way up to here. It is one of the best ever productions at any major international competition. The Italians have been relentless on the offensive side of the ball, even though many think that their style of play involves an ultra-defensive approach with slow and dull tactics. Now, that was before Roberto Mancini sat on the bench. After he took over the wheel, Italy became one very fluid, flexible, and above all efficient unit.
In the recent 10 matches, Azzurri didn’t score more than once, only against Spain in the semis. In all other games, they would have at least two goals delivered. Also, they have six players with two hits at EURO 2020, which is a rare thing to see. It is also another proof that Mancini does an excellent job, and that the Italians are versatile in the offense.
Mancini shakes the lineup and the formation frequently, and for each team, he has a different game plan prepared. And so far, that turned out to be productive. Each of his substitutions and replacements has been productive.
England conceded for the first time at EURO 2020 in the semis against Denmark. After 10 clean sheets in 12 matches, the Three Lions’ fantastic streak has ended. But to be honest, that isn’t important as they advanced to the finals anyway.
The way they earned a win against the Danes is controversial, and many believe that, in fact, the referee pushed the hosts with a penalty. We are not here to judge or anything, but that was a suspicious call.
Gareth Southgate relies upon tough defense and very fast attack, and that has been his game plan since becoming the head coach of the national team. So it really isn’t odd to see England playing inefficient games. In the past eight, seven saw under 2.5 goals. The same is with both sides not scoring.
Head to Head Matches
Italy was better than England in recent times. Azzurri lost against the Three Lions just once in the past eight contests.
Their most recent match was a friendly international in 2018, and it ended 1-1.
Prediction
England will be ultra-defensive as always, and we expect to see them in the same mood on Sunday night. The Three Lions are a team that isn’t very comfortable when having the ball in its feet, which is why we expect to see them cautious. Because of that, under 2.5 goals is the best possible choice for this finals.
Pick: Under 2.5 goals 0.50 at BetXChange
