Emaluele Giulianelli’s Italy v Wales preview: Italy will give 100% even with qualification secured

Our Matchday Squad journalist will be covering Italy throughout Euro 2020

With two 3-0 wins in a row, their best-ever start at the European Championships, Italy have already punched their tickets for the knockout stage.

Next Sunday they will play their third and last match of Group A, facing Wales at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with the aim of sealing top spot.

Fabio Capello has declared to the Italian press: “There is no need to make calculations. Winning helps to win”. There are many rumours, indeed, that Italy could have some advantages in letting the first place go to Wales, in order to get a more inviting opponent in the round of 16.

But Roberto Mancini is working hard to bring a new mentality to Italian football – we can be sure that his players will give 100% in order to get the three points again. The coach could make some changes to give some rest to the most tired players.

Francesco Acerbi will replace the injured Giorgio Chiellini, while Emerson Palmieri could come in at left-back in substitution of Leonardo Spinazzola, who has had a great tournament up to now.

Bryan Cristante or Matteo Pessina will have a shirt among the three in midfield, while the recovered Marco Verratti will start from the bench.

My prediction is that the Azzurri will win again, easily.

Check out the latest Euro 2020 odds.