Before the round of 16 clash: Austria dreams, Italy warns

The Italians are the “big favorites,” admitted ÖFB team boss Franco Foda. Nevertheless, the German wants to surprise his team and reach the quarter-finals. “Of course we are blatant outsiders, but there are still always a few percent,” explained Foda.

According to Foda, he had already looked into possible opponents in the round of 1 before the tournament and sent out scouts accordingly. Immediately after advancing to the group final against Ukraine (0-XNUMX), he revealed that he had a plan for Italy. “In the underdog role there are a few considerations. We have to be courageous and determined from the first second, that will be crucial. We have to put everything we have into the balance.” Alaba as a left-back or in a three-man chain? Foda did not reveal whether he would deviate from his successful concept against Ukraine with David Alaba as left-back and Florian Grillitsch as the pacemaker in the center of midfield. David Alaba plays a key role. © APA / ROBERT JAEGER

It is expected that the Austrians will start the game with the same starting lineup, but with slightly different tactical positions. The Italians have a slightly different, more flexible playing system than the Ukrainians, explained Foda. Left-back Leonardo Spinazzola moves forward when in possession of the ball, turning the 4-3-3 into a three-man chain at the back.

Center forward Ciro Immobile provides the depth. But Foda warned above all about the roles that Lorenzo Insigne and Nicolo Barella take on in this system. “You have to be very careful, especially with the two tens. We have to think about how we can get access.” Roma icon Totti: “Just like 2006” Italy is doing everything in its power not to underestimate the Austrians. Marco Verratti said before the game: “We have to think big. It will be a very difficult match for us. We have to fight with the same aggressiveness and energy as before, this is the only way we can move forward. The more we progress in this European Championship, the more the pressure increases.” The 28-year-old was not fully fit at the start of the European Championship due to a knee injury, but should be part of the starting eleven against the ÖFB team. Marco Verratti could return to the starting eleven against Austria. © ANSA / Ettore Ferrari / FRR

Roma club icon Francesco Totti sees similarities between Mancini's squad and Marcello Lippi's national team, which won the World Cup in 2006. “Mancini's team is united and has the whole country behind them, just like it was in 2006. Now it’s time for Italy to finally win at a European Championship again,” said the 44-year-old.

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Before the round of 16 clash: Austria dreams, Italy warns

Austria's national team dreams of a really big coup. The Austrian selection will go into their first European Championship round of 21 on Saturday (30 p.m.) in London as clear outsiders. Italy are unbeaten in XNUMX games and have won all of the last eleven to zero.

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