Italy
Austria
Austria
Italy aiming to continue perfect winning form against an Austria side hitting peak form
Italy to win 2-0
Italy have been many people’s team of the tournament so far, winning all three of their group games without conceding a single goal, taking their current unbeaten run to 30, winning their last 11 of those consecutively.
They are now undoubtedly one of the favourites for the tournament and managed to rest eight of their star players in their final group game victory over Wales.
Those first team names will re-enter the fold here, in a bid to progress to the Quarter Finals of a Euros for the fourth tournament in a row.
Austria are one of the tougher opponents they could have faced, however, and are slowly but steadily growing into the tournament.
They were beaten, like the rest of Group C, by a resurgent Netherlands side, but secured impressive wins over North Macedonia and Ukraine to finish second.
They would be upsetting the odds if they claimed victory here, but we are due a shock or two at this tournament.
World Ranking: 7
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 1968
Reasons to be cheerful:
Perfect start means they have been the tournament’s best team so far
Star players were rested in final group game
Reasons to be fearful:
Austria have the power to spring a surprise
Defensive powerhouse Chiellini is a doubt for the game
The Italians are one of three teams who progressed from their group with a 100% winning record, but they were the only ones to do so without conceding a goal.
Their run of 11 straight wins and 30 without defeat is a staggering achievement for a team who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
While there doesn’t appear to be too many weak points in the team, they may once again be without Giorgio Chiellini at centre back after he limped off in Italy’s second game. Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi is likely to step in.
Going forward there are no concerns for Italy at the top of the pitch, with their front three all on fire and Marco Verratti the midfield general behind them.
Star Man – Ciro Immobile
Has two goals and an assist so far, and had a rest in Italy’s final group game. He should be raring to go here.
World Ranking: 23
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Group Stage, 2008/2016
Reasons to be cheerful:
Wins over Ukraine and N. Macedonia will have boosted confidence
Are already further than they’ve ever reached before
Reasons to be fearful:
Haven’t beaten Italy in last 13 attempts
Will have very few fans in the stadium to cheer them on
Austria have done brilliantly to reach the knockout stage of the Euros for the first time, but couldn’t have asked for a much tougher test in doing so.
The Austrians haven’t beaten Italy since 1960, going back 13 matches, and they are certainly underdogs to do so here. They have one or two very good players, but unfortunately not enough to match up against the likes of Italy at this stage.
In David Alaba they have an excellent defender/midfielder who is soon to play for Real Madrid, and in Marko Arnautovic they have a feisty character who can conjure something out of nothing.
Against Italy, however, their main concern will be keeping hold of the ball for any length of time.
Star Man – Marko Arnautovic
Is now back from a one-match suspension and could be the Austrian’s hope of causing an upset.
Italy will dominate possession
The Italians’ midfield are a joy to watch
Can Austria take advantage of any defensive weakness
With the Italians unlikely to have Chiellini in their back four, it presents an opportunity for Austria to take advantage of any frailty that may be present without him.
With the ball, Italy are a class apart and we can expect to see Marco Verratti run the show in the middle of the park for the Azzurri.
Austria have the slim chance of causing an upset, but it’s highly unlikely.
Italy to win 2-0
