Italy to find Austria tougher nuts to crack
The knockout phase of Euro 2020 commences on Saturday, and Italy's reward for their flawless group qualification is a tie with Austria in the last 16. Roberto Mancini's men have undoubtedly been the most impressive team up until this point, eschewing their largely ignored status as not one of the favourites to win the tournament in some style. Meanwhile, Franco Foda's side won two out of their three pool games, but will need to up their performance levels in a way they failed to do against the Netherlands to have a chance of pulling off a shock. Read our preview here:
Marco, Polo!
Mancini had the luxury of shuffling his deck of cards for the third and final game in Group A, and now only third-choice goalkeeper Alex Meret hasn't had minutes on the pitch (understudy Salvatore Sirigu came on late for PSG-bound Gini Donnarumma). Perhaps equally as importantly however was the successful reintegration of central midfielder Marco Verratti into the starting XI. There had been fears prior to the competition beginning that his absence might have meant a weaker looking engine room, but that has certainly not transpired. Here, he'll line up on the right side of the trio, which will look to advance and push back their opponents' double pivot as much as possible in order for the Azzurri to dominate possession, tiring them out in a very similar fashion as they did to Turkey in particular. In defence, they could be without veteran Giogrio Chiellini and Alessandro Florenzi, which would allow Giovanni Di Lorenzo to continue covering at right-back. Ciro Immobile will lead the line once more, looking to pounce on any loose balls in and around the Austrian penalty area.
Marko, oh no!
The insipid performance against the Netherlands brutally exposed the big chink in Burschen - their lack thus far of a sufficient, sustained goal threat. Additionally, without the duo of Konrad Laimer and Christoph Baumgartner, the versatile David Alaba might be positioned in a much more attacking position than he's been used to in recent times. If he can get opportunities to foray forward, he might have some joy contesting the ball with Di Lorenzo, but will need support from teammates to get passes into feet, especially for sole striker Marko Arnautović. While not as replete with options off the bench as Italy are, Saša Kalajdžić could be a difference maker if high crosses into the area are the order of the day.
War of attrition?
Italy have not been truly tested at any juncture thus far - they brushed off Turkey and Switzerland, and had numerical and overwhelming advantage over Wales once youngster Ethan Ampadu was dismissed. Here, although once again heavy favourites despite not being on home turf, they might find things much heavier going. Austria will have at least seven players behind the ball at all times, and moreover, at least two 'outs' - Alaba's crossing will be a big threat in behind if left unchecked. bet365 have odds of 3.00 for less than 1.5 goals to be scored in the regulation 90 minutes.
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