Gareth Bale says Wales are on the hunt for victory in Rome when they hope to take advantage of what could be a much-changed Italy side in their final Euro 2020 group game on Saturday
The Italians have stood out so far in the tournament, beating both Turkey and Switzerland 3-0, and Roberto Mancini’s side are already through to the last 16.
The Azzurri are unbeaten in 29 matches, winning their previous 10 without conceding a single goal, and avoiding defeat here would see them equal the national record set by Vittorio Pozzo’s great side of the 1930s.
However, Mancini could decide to make wholesale changes for the Wales clash – and therefore hand Bale and co a much better chance of securing another eye-catching victory.
Top Spot up for Grabs
The Real Madrid man knows three points would secure them top spot in Group A and with that would come a last-16 game at Wembley next weekend, giving fans the chance to make their way to London in big numbers.
Which way will this one go?
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 20, 2021
Bale said: “It would be a great result if we could win. Our aim is to win the game – none of us ever go into a match to get a draw. We have a gameplan which we think can hurt them.
“I think for the Welsh fans to be able to come and watch us is definitely something we would love to see.”
Bale is Wales’ Assist King
Bale has, as expected, been one of Wales’ best performers so far and set up both goals in the 2-0 victory over Turkey while also skying a penalty over the bar. The 31-year-old will be keen to make up for that miss and looks decent value at 7/2 to score anytime in Rome.
Robert Page’s side are not yet officially through to the knockout stages but, after drawing 1-1 with Switzerland and impressively seeing off Turkey 2-0, they are on the brink of having their qualification confirmed. Even a defeat in the Italian capital and a win for Switzerland in the other game against Turkey later, which could push them down to third place, is unlikely to derail Wales’ progress as they should still make it through as one of the best third-place finishers from the group stage.
Page could also make changes as he ponders freshening up his side with midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen reportedly set to be rested, while defenders Chris Mepham and Ben Davies and striker Kieffer Moore may also sit out the Stadio Olimpico clash as they are all just one game away from suspension having picked up bookings so far.
Chiellini Ruled Out
Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini is injured, so Francesco Acerbi is expected to come into the side, as is midfielder Marco Verratti. Forwards Andrea Belotti and Federico Chiesa are also hoping to start with main striker Ciro Immobile tipped to be handed a rest.
With Italy already through and Wales also approaching the clash knowing they have virtually done the business, there could be an edge missing from the game that would have been evident if more was riding on the group finale. Italy are the favourites at 8/15 to make it three wins from three but we’re unlikely to see a free-flowing performance with plenty of changes expected.
If Mancini does make wholesale alterations, some will fancy Wales to cause a big shock at 7/1 to win and top the group but the smart money might just be on a draw, which is on offer at 57/20.
*All odds correct at time of writing.