Italy vs Wales LIVE: Euro 2020 result, final score and reaction tonight
Wales qualified for the last 16 while Italy topped Group A with a third win out of three
Italy topped Group A of Euro 2020 after a third straight win on Sunday, with a first-half goal from Matteo Pessina giving them a 1-0 victory over 10-man Wales, who also advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
The Italians had already guaranteed their progress, while Wales secured a berth too by finishing ahead of Switzerland on goal difference. The Swiss, who could still advance as one of the four best third-placed teams, beat Turkey 3-1 in Baku.
Roberto Mancini made eight changes to rest most of his first-choice starters, but Italy still dominated and missed several chances either side of Pessina's 42nd-minute goal, when he steered a low Marco Verratti free kick into the far corner.
Welsh centre back Ethan Ampadu was shown a straight red card in the 55th minute for stamping on Federico Bernadeschi's foot, and Wales then missed their best chance of an equaliser in the 74th when Gareth Bale volleyed over the bar from close range.
Italy will next face the runners-up of Group C, while Wales will take on the runners-up of Group B.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
Aaron Ramsey comments:
“It was tough for long periods. We were up against a great team, who’ve gone 30 games unbeaten, But again we showed great character. We dug in for Ethan, I feel sorry for him. We had each others’ back out there and we did the job.
“[After the red card] it was important to stay compact and try to create a couple of opportunities, which we did. We could have nicked a draw on another day .
“We have a lot of attacking threat, we keep games really tight and we work hard for each other ... We’re through in second place so we’re delighted.”
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
Italy win all three of their group stage games for only fourth time at a major tournament, and the first time since Euro 2000:
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
Roberto Mancini comments:
“We couldn’t have done better, other than maybe score more goals. It was not easy, it was extremely hot and a very physical game, so the lads did really well,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
Mancini on making changes before the Wales game:
“It’s important that the identity of the team remains the same, as changing three or four players shouldn’t make any difference. They all know what to do and the end product does not change.
“They all proved today that everyone here is a first-choice player. Winning wasn’t even necessary, which made it difficult in terms of mentality, but we fought for the win anyway and that shows so much.”
Italy are now 30 games unbeaten, equalling a record set in the 1930s by Vittorio Pozzo.
“Pozzo won many important trophies too, so we’re still far behind that level. Anyone who goes through to the Round of 16 can win the Euros, that’s for sure,” added Mancini.
“Every game is difficult, we mustn’t think that we can win every game or that any of this is to be taken for granted.
“We thank the people of Rome for all they’ve done for us and hope everyone can get back to enjoying themselves.”
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
Marco Verratti is back with a majestic display to hand Roberto Mancini a real headache as Italy march into the round of 16 at Euro 2020.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder started his first game of the tournament after recovering from injury and immediately made the Olimpico pitch his own.
By our own Jack Rathborn:
Ball magnet Marco Verratti’s majestic return boosts Italy’s Euro 2020 chances
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was excellent as the Azzurri dominated Wales in Rome to win their third game of the tournament
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales (full time)
Italy impress again as Wales qualify for last 16 despite defeat
Italy 1-0 Wales: Matteo Pessina scored the only goal of the game as the Azzurri made it three wins out of three in Group A and cemented their status as maybe the team to beat
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales (full time)
Full time at the Stadio Olimpico.
Italy thoroughly dominated this game, and could’ve added several more, but credit to Wales, they showed tremendous spirit to dig in and not let themselves get overwhelmed by Italy’s relentless pressing and attacking ability down either flank.
Wales’ only real chance fell to Bale - of all the people - but he blazed over with no one around him. He should’ve done better.
Italy now top the group, and are now undefeated in their last 30 games, a phenomenal record. Man of the match has to be either Verratti or Bernardeschi. Verratti controlled the game, and Bernardeschi caused havoc with his ghosting between the lines, especially in the first half.
Wales now travel to Amsterdam next Saturday, and will most likely face one of Finland, Russia or Denmark.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
88’: Wales now packing their own box, as Italy pile on the pressure. Belotti’s stinging shot from just outside the box is right down the throat of Ward in the Wales goal, who makes the save.
Italy make another change, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making way for Salvatore Sirigu for the last remaining few minutes.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
83’: Italy applying the pressure in order to find the second goal. Chiesa wins two consecutive corners, both of which Wales defend superbly, the ball comes out to Verratti, who floats in a wonderful cross into the area.
Wales making a further three changes. Ben Davies, Dylan Levitt and David Brooks are coming on for Neco Williams, Bale and Allen.
Wales now getting fresh players on as they attempt to keep Italy at bay for the remainder of the game.
Italy making a change also, Pessina being replaced by Fiorentina’s Gaetano Castrovilli.
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