Italy were the Group A winners, and will be rewarded for their excellent performances throughout the group stage with a round of 16 game against Austria at Wembley. Can Roberto Mancini’s side continue their momentum and reach the quarterfinals?
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Italy have been the nation that have caught the imagination more than most during the EUROs to this point. There is certainly a good feeling about the Italians this summer, as they seem to be a team all pulling in the same direction. The depth that Roberto Mancini is staggering, as he could make a number of changes in their final group game and still ease to a 1-0 win against Wales.
Italy couldn’t come into this game in better form, as they are unbeaten in 30 international fixtures, which is their joint-longest ever run. However, they will be aware that the bigger tests will come over the coming weeks. They will need to do it the hard way to make it through to the final, as they are in the same half of the draw as France, Belgium and Spain. However, there is no denying that the Italians come into the knockout stages with momentum.
Austria have already achieved something that they have never previously done this summer, as they will be playing in the knockout stages of the EUROs for the very first time. They performed well in the group stages, as they picked up two wins from three games, with their only defeat coming against the Netherlands.
David Alaba will be key to their chances in this game, as he was moved into a more advanced position for their last group game, and they looked a more dynamic side with his presence further up the pitch. However, this will be a huge test for Austria against one of the in-form sides in world football.
Italy vs Austria Head to Head
Italy have an exceptional record against Austria, as they come into this fixture on the back of going 13 meetings unbeaten against their rivals. The Italians have came out on top in all four previous meetings between the nations in major competitions. The most recent meeting that Italy won came at the 1998 World Cup.
Italy vs Austria Prediction
Italy look like the team to beat based on their performances in the group stages, and it’s unlikely that they will face too many difficulties getting over this first hurdle against Austria. It could be a comfortable afternoon at Wembley for Roberto Mancini’s side.
Betting odds for the match: Italy win at 1.464 and Austria at 7.9 betting odds. See more odds and bet on Italy vs Austria on 22Bet!
