We move on to round two of the group matches at Euro 2020 with the pools beginning to take shape. The opening round of matches proved to be everything fans had hoped for, with plenty of goals and even more talking points. Fans are back in attendance, the best players and eager to put on a show and there has been no shortage of the kind of upsets we have come to expect at this level of football. Let’s hope for more of the same in round two.
Three matches are scheduled for Wednesday with the likes of Wales and Italy in action, but our team of football content writers focus on Italy vs Switzerland in this preview. Due for a 20:00 GMT kick-off, the Group A match will be shown live on television worldwide with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the Italians who impressed in the opening stages. Was it little more than a strong start, or will Italy live up to expectations and go all the way to the final at Wembley this summer?
The Italian team is packed with talent, crammed with household names and filled to bursting with goals. On paper, they look like one of the teams to beat at this competition and got off to a winning start, but Italy has promised much in the past and failed to live up to the hype. Is this team different?
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Italy sit top of the table
Italy sits at the top of Group A, heading into the round. They have a 100% record with victory claimed in their opening match thanks to a convincing win over Turkey. It was a game they were expected to win, but the Turks are an organised side who had the potential to cause an upset. Italy deserves full credit for getting the job done and easing their way to a convincing 3-0 win in the group opener. The group format is so snappy the Italians know another three points would be enough to see them book their place in the next round.
The win over Turkey last week came hot on the heels of a friendly victory achieved against the Czech Republic earlier this month in their final round of warm-up games. Immobile and Insigne were on the scoresheet in that friendly win and were back amongst the goals when it mattered, helping fire the Italians to a win over Turkey. Strikes for Immobile and Insigne closely followed a Demiral own goal. A convincing three points and a strong start.
Not only has Italy been impressive in the attack of late they have also been solid in defence, the way you’d expect a successful Italian team to be. The main difference between this side and teams of the past is the focus isn’t on defence, scoring and sitting back. There’s real flair going forward, and the blues are capable of creating plenty of chances and scoring plenty of goals. Will we see more of the same in this game?
Swiss still in with a shout
Switzerland is third in the group after picking up a draw in their opening match but are level with Wales on one point. Having missed their chance to claim victory in their opening game against the Welsh, Switzerland now knows they are up against it. The players, coaches and fans understand the dangers of failing to win their first two games. If Switzerland follows that draw against Wales with a defeat versus Italy and the Welsh beat Turkey, it’ll leave their chances hanging by a thread. They will require goal difference and plenty of favours to see them through to the next round.
Despite ending their opening match with a share of the spoils, it was Switzerland that took the lead against Wales and looked to be in a commanding position. Embolo turned their position into an opening goal when finding the net early in the second half, and it appeared the Swiss would coast to all three points at the expense of Gareth Bale and co. There was to be a twist in the tale, however, and the Dragons battled back. Moore scored against the run of play with 74 minutes on the clock, and Wales were able to cling on to that advantage.
There were plenty of positives to take from that draw with Wales for Switzerland and fans. They were the dominant side for much of the game but failed to turn their chances into goals. If they can improve on that effort and get a bit more luck in the final third of the pitch, there’s every chance Switzerland can be competitive against the Italians. There’s still all to play for in this group, and no one inside the Swiss camp will be willing to throw the towel in and admit defeat just yet.
Italy vs Switzerland prediction
Italy didn’t quite get the credit they deserve from that win over Turkey as the beaten side that day are strong, organised and capable of causing an upset. Not only did the Italians get off to a winning start and nail down all three points, but they also did it in style and without conceding. Another strong defensive showing is important here.
Switzerland has the right to feel aggrieved that they didn’t take all three points from their match with Wales, but they didn’t lose and now have a solid base to build on. At present, their fate is still in their own hands, and Switzerland will be prepared to meet the Italians head-on. They certainly won’t head into the match believing it’s a foregone conclusion.
Each of the last three meetings of these teams has ended in a draw, and another share of the spoils wouldn’t be the worst result for either nation at this stage. That trend goes back further, with four of five ending level.
Euro 2020 odds
The pre-match betting available at 22Bet has Italy priced as the early favourites for victory with odds of 1.56 on offer. Switzerland can be backed at 6.55, while a fourth draw on the bounce is available at 3.84.
Make sure to bet on Italy vs Switzerland with 22Bet!
