A date with history. Yes, because the Azzurre have already made history by reaching the semi-finals of the European Championship for the first time in a 16-team tournament. And now the final is there, within sight, just one step away. But it’s very, very complicated.
England vs. Italy is worth a whole year. Joy and pain. And only the English have everything to lose because they are the reigning champions. Moreover, so far, they haven’t exactly been dazzling, quite the contrary. Only on penalties against Sweden, after coming back from two goals down in the final minutes, did they manage to qualify. They were very lucky, very lucky indeed, because the Swedes had three chances to seal the deal from the penalty spot. In short, Italy can believe in itself. But it’s a long way from saying that there’s a good chance of the Azzurre going through. A very long way. In the last match between the two teams—last year in a friendly—England scored five goals against Soncin’s team. It was a different time, a different situation, and above all, a different team, which, after the victory against Norway, has certainly gained a lot of self-confidence.
However, the task remains very difficult and the prediction, reluctantly, leans towards the English team. So let’s see how we think this match could end.
Odds comparison
England’s victory is priced at 1.50 on Goldbet and Lottomatica.
A goal is valued at 1.77 on GoldBet and Lottomatica.
Prediction
England is favored in a match with at least three goals in total—the defending champions have always conceded goals in this tournament—and should reach the European Championship final. Italy is out with its head held high. But for once, we almost hope we’re wrong. Very difficult.
Probable line-ups for England-Italy
ENGLAND (4-3-3): 1 Hampton; 2 Bronze, 6 Williamson, 16 Carter, 5 Greenwood; 10 Toone, 4 Walsh, 8 Stanway; 7 James, 23 Russo, 11 Hemp.
ITALY (3-5-2): 1 Giuliani; 19 Lenzini, 23 Salvai, 5 Linari; 2 Oliviero, 18 Caruso, 6 Giugliano, 8 Severini, 3 Di Guglielmo; 7 Cantore, 10 Girelli.