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
76’: HUGE chance for Wales, and it falls to Gareth Bale, who has been invisible in this game.
A free kick is headed into Bale’s path, the No.11 finds himself in the box, unmarked, but smashes his left foot volley high over the bar, with the goal at his mercy.
That was the chance for Wales.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
73’: Mancini about to make two changes here for Italy, and Wales making a single change. Harry Wilson coming on for Daniel James for Wales
For Italy, Bryan Cristante and Giacomo Raspadori coming on for Jorginho and Bernardeschi.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
68’: Switzerland have now added a third goal in their clash with Turkey, Shaqiri again on the scoresheet, and now the goal difference has reverted back to what it was 10 minutes ago.
As it stands, Wales are going through along with Italy.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
65’: Turkey have now scored in the other group game, and now the scoreline is 2-1 to Switzerland, which helps Wales in relation to the goal difference between the two nations.
Italy have a chance, as Chiesa’s blistering pace down the right-hand side is causing havoc, he squares the ball for Belotti, whose shot is saved by Ward.
Italy looking for a second to settle the game now.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
62’: Change for Wales, as Kieffer Moore comes on for Joe Morrell in central midfield.
Wales have a free kick in a dangerous area, down on the left hand side of the penalty area. Daniel James stands over the ball, his delivery is good, but fails to find a teammate.
This is going to be a difficult last 30 minutes for Robert Page’s men.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales (red card, Ampadu 🔴)
56’: Wales are down to ten men, with Ampadu receiving his marching orders after stamping down heavily on Bernardeschi’s ankle/foot.
It was an automatic red card, and the decision went to VAR, who also reaffirmed the decision.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
54’: Big chance for Wales, and Ramsey. Ramsey got goal side of Acerbi, who misjudged the flight of the ball. Ramsey found himself in the box, waiting for support, but the sequence of events took everyone by surprise, and Ramsey was dispossessed by Bastoni.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
50’: Yellow card for Joe Allen for a foul on Belotti in a dangerous area for Italy. The second half has started just as the first finished: with Italy pressing high and taking possession of the ball. Bernardeschi smashes the base of the post from the resulting free kick.
A huge let off for Wales. You suspect that had that free kick went in, the game would’ve been as good as over.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales
46’: Second half kicks off. Italy making one change, with Mancini taking off Bonucci for Francesco Acerbi taking his place.
No changes for Wales at present. Wales will need to do better in this second half than in the first. An early Italy goal would kill the game, you feel.
Euro 2020: Italy 1-0 Wales (half time)
Half time at the Stadio Olimpico.
Italy go into half time 1-0 up, and it’s no more than they deserve.
A cagey opening soon gave way to Italian pressure and possession. Verratti, making his first start of the tournament, was exceptional, pulling the strings in the middle of the pitch.
Italy used both flanks to great effect: with Emerson, Bernardeschi, Chiesa and Toloi controlling those areas of the pitch.
As the half wore on Italy went up several gears, and could’ve added to the score line. Belotti’s run in behind has caused no end of problems for Page’s side. Mancini has made the Azzurri since a well-drilled outfit, regardless of who is in the starting XI.
With Switzerland currently 2-0 up, Wales are level on points and still in second, but should the Swiss score further goals, and Italy do the same, then Wales could drop down to third.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments