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Opinion
Just the two matches will take place tonight at Euro 2020 as Match Day 3 begins and navigating the group stage remains the focus for those still requiring a result to do so.
Wales has everything to play for in Rome when it tackles the impressive Italy squad, knowing that even a loss could still see them advance to the knockout phase. That scenario could play out if Switzerland and Turkey play out a draw, or the Turks manage the win that would move them to third in the group.
Good luck with your tips on what promises to be a gripping evening of tense and passionate football. Be sure to enter those tips in the sheet below to have a say in the ladder-leading voice of the crowd. Here is the way the panel sees all the action unfolding.
Mike Tuckerman
Italy, Switzerland
While they will hope not to have peaked too soon, the Azzurri already look like one of the teams to beat. They smashed Switzerland 3-0 last time out and can afford to go into this game in a fairly relaxed frame of mind. They’ll want to keep their winning run going, however, and the pleasing news for coach Roberto Mancini is just how many of his squad members have stepped up so far.
It was Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli who proved the difference against the Swiss, but if Ciro Immobile starts in attack once again, he could be the man who wreaks havoc at the Olimpico.
It hasn’t been quite the tournament Switzerland were hoping for and after their most recent humbling in Rome, they’ll be glad to move on to Baku for this must-win clash with Turkey. Both sides need to win to have any hope of going through, but the trouble for Turkey is they look even more one-dimensional than the Swiss.
This game should be a fairly open and frenetic affair that could be decided up front. I reckon Breel Embolo is the more likely striker to prove the difference than Turkey’s veteran front man Burak Yilmaz. It should be tight, but the Swiss to win it.
Stuart Thomas
Italy, Switzerland
Would Italy dare take anything other than its A squad into this clash with Wales? Finishing top could be vital in the long run and if they were to mess around with their team, thinking rest rather than win, the Welsh may all of a sudden finish ahead of them. This Italian squad does look the real deal though and a Welsh win seems unlikely with so much at stake.
(Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Switzerland and Turkey are both making up the numbers at Euro 2020. Neither has the class or polish to mount a serious challenge. However, with Switzerland hanging onto a slim hope of qualification, their motivational advantage may be the subtle difference between the two sides. It reeks of a draw but I’ll back the Swiss to really make things interesting.
Texi Smith
Italy, Switzerland
The Wales result against Turkey was massive. It will probably be enough to get the Cymros through in third place at least, depending on how porous their defence is against an impressive Italian team. Both teams are unbeaten, but you would have to be a fortune teller to foresee any result other than a home win in this one. Wales to go all out in the first half and throw caution to the wind, but come in a goal behind through a mazy Domenico Berardi run and finish.
Wales to grab an equaliser on the hour, Joe Allen curling in an effort from a rare break, before Ciro Immobile finishes off a fabulous team goal with ten minutes to go to seal the win. Italy and Wales both through.
The Swiss battled hard against the Italians for no reward and they will fancy their chances of a result against this underperforming Turkish team. All the hard work that got Turkey to the Euros in style has been undone and they were caught out by the simple ball over the top that Wales repeated until it paid dividends. Barring an absolute miracle, Turkey will be out, so they will be going for broke in this one, while Switzerland will have to be patient and hold on during an onslaught to score on the break.
And they will, Xherdan Shaqiri feeding the impressive Breel Embolo to round the keeper and finish from an acute angle for the only goal of the game. Some rough play from Turkey will rack up a high card count, eventually leading to a red that puts Turkey out of their misery and condemns them to a goalless tournament and no points. Shocker!
(Photo by Andrey Bogunov/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Pablo Bateson
Italy, Switzerland
Italy has been in overdrive across its first two matches, playing its best football in a major tournament for a very long time. They now need only a point against a well-organised and cohesive Welsh side (also qualified for Round of 16) to finish the group in top place.
Will the Azzurri take their foot off the throttle somewhat and rest some key players for the next stage?
Wales might be content with the second spot or else make a charge to upset the mostly expected final outcome on the ladder. They look impressive in attack and yet cannot afford to miss any further clear cut opportunities on goal, oh Gareth!
The Swiss didn’t back up from their promising opening group game performance and succumbed meekly to a rampant Italy. However, they will be far more comfortable with Turkey who have underwhelmed in their first two games. I’m expecting Shaqiri and Embolo to help fire up Switzerland for victory and progression to the Round of 16.
| Match Day 3 | Mike | Stuart | Texi | Pablo | The Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITA vs WAL | ITA | ITA | ITA | ITA | ? |
| SUI vs TUR | SUI | SUI | SUI | SUI | ? |
| Yesterday | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 12 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 14 |