Italy vs Austria Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Italy vs Austria kick off? Saturday 26th June, 2021 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Italy vs Austria being played? Wembley Stadium, London
Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Austria? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Italy vs Austria on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Italy vs Austria in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Italy 16 wins, Austria 11 wins, 8 draws
Last meeting: Italy 2-2 Austria (20/08/08)
THE LOWDOWN
ITALY
- ITV inexplicably described Italy’s excellent tournament as ‘coming out of the international wilderness’. Aside from that nonsensical hyperbole, there is a point that remains and that is Roberto Mancini’s resurgent Azzurri not only look excellent, they look like they are enjoying themselves.
- Mancini faces a huge decision in midfield after an excellent performance of the returning Marco Verratti has put pressure on his already brilliantly performing midfield of Barella, Jorginho and Locatelli.
- Italy have reached the quarter-finals of just two tournaments since they won the 2006 World Cup 15 years ago and a victory in this one will make that three times.
AUSTRIA
- Franco Foda has been one of the most derided coaches in this tournament by his own home press - and that is a difficult thing to achieve given the needless criticism aimed at many managers in this competition. However, an excellent tactical plan against Ukraine has seen the Austrians progress to the knockout stages of a major tournament for this first time since 1982 and even that was just the second group stage.
- Foda does have some major concerns over key players. Julian Baumgartlinger remains sidelined, Martin Hinteregger has been exceptional at the back but he is a doubt and their match winner against Ukraine Christoph Baumgartner could also be out of this one.
- Austria were extremely poor against the Netherlands and there is a reason, albeit potentially over-the-top, for the criticism aimed at him from the Austrian press and that is the fact he often restricts his potential very entertaining squad of players to a limited style of play that is often ineffective.
THE TEAM NEWS
ITALY
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Bastoni, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Chiellini (Injured), Florenzi (Injured)
AUSTRIA
PREDICTED XI (5-3-2): Bachmann; Lainer, Dragovic, Alaba, Hinteregger, Ulmer; Laimer, X. Schlager; Sabitzer; Gregoritsch, Arnautovic
UNAVAILABLE: Baumgartlinger (Injured), Lazaro (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Hinteregger (Injured), Baumgartner (Concussion)
THE KEY STATS
- Italy have won each of their previous four matches against Austria at a major international tournament (all World Cup) – Italy to win
- Italy have won their last 11 international matches without conceding a goal – Italy to win to nil
- Italy have conceded a total of just two first half goals in their last 17 EURO final tournament matches – Austria to not score in the first half
- Austria have scored more than one goal in only one of their previous nine EURO final tournament matches – Austria under 1.5 goals
- There has been at least one goal scored during the first half in each of Austria’s last four EURO final tournament matches – First half goal scored by either team
THE PREDICTION
Italy’s style might not be the most pragmatic or organised system to win a major tournament in the modern day footballing world of system over style and the lack of ingenuity in the most important of matches. However, we have seen that against inferior opposition in terms of tactics and personnel. they have more than enough depth and talent to overwhelm and this match is expected to be the same with a comfortable Italian victory in London.
Tip: ITALY TO WIN WITH -1 HANDICAP
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
