Next win: Italy rushes into the round of 16 with a record

Italy's national football team remained unbeaten for the 30th game in a row, equaling the Italian record from the 30s. Roberto Mancini's side beat Wales 1-0 in Rome thanks to a goal from Matteo Pessina. The place in the round of XNUMX was already certain, and now the Azzurri have first place in their pocket.

The Squadra Azzurra only remained undefeated for as long as it currently does between 1935 and 1939 under the then national coach Vittorio Pozzo. This led the Italians to their first two world championship titles and thus shaped the most successful Italian football era to date. Mancini's current selection suffered their last defeat in September 2018, 0-1 in the Nations League against Portugal. The 1-0 win against Wales was Italy's eleventh win in a row; in these games the team scored 32 goals and conceded no goals. Everyone is allowed to play – including the substitute goalkeeper Before the final group game against Wales, Mancini switched his previously impressive eleven to eight positions, with only goalkeeper Gigi Donnarumma, defender Leonardo Bonucci and midfielder Jorghino being allowed to start again. Manuel Locatelli, the double goalscorer from the Switzerland game, made way for the recovered PSG star Marco Verratti. Donnarumma gave up his place between the posts in the final stages for 34-year-old Salvatore Sirigu, who was probably playing his last international game.

Enrico Chiesa (l.), Marco Verratti (r.) and Co. always had Gareth Bale under control. © APA/afp / MIKE HEWITT

The many changes and the fact that a draw was enough for the host to win the group meant that the opening phase was without highlights on both sides. It wasn't until the 24th minute that the Italians came dangerously into the penalty area, where a sharp Belotti cross found no taker. Two minutes later, Wales came close to scoring for the only time in the first half, a Gunter header going wide.

As the first 45 minutes continued, the Italians improved and then set the tone. Ampadu cleared for his goalie when Chiesa finished from a tight angle (29th). But the opening goal was only briefly postponed. A low free kick from comebacker Marco Verratti was skillfully extended into the far corner by Pessina. The Atalanta midfielder almost scored a brace in a similar way, this time the ball went just past the far corner (42'). Wales with ten men Wales couldn't gain any ground even after the restart, so Italy had little trouble holding on for victory. A greater victory was in the air several times. The bar saved a Bernardeschi free kick from more than 20 meters (53'). Two minutes later, Ampadu was rightly excluded after kicking Bernardeschi. That played even more into the home team's hands. Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward prevented a greater deficit in a duel with Andrea Belotti (65th).

Against the run of play, Wales almost managed to equalize; Bale didn't adjust his sights correctly when he shot a volley from six meters (75'). At the other end, Ward saved a Belotti shot (88'). Austria or Ukraine? Italy will face the runners-up in Group C, Austria or Ukraine, in the round of 26 next Saturday, June XNUMXth in London. On the same day in Amsterdam, Wales competes against the runners-up from Pool B. Switzerland can also hope to compete in Circle A, which Turkey clearly defeated 3-1 and could advance to the next round as one of the four best third parties.

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Next win: Italy rushes into the round of 16 with a record

Not as exciting as last time, but again without conceding a goal: Italy also won the last group game in Rome and moved into the round of 16 as first in the table. The Azzurri also set an ancient record.

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