The Italian team completed its immaculate group stage with a 1-0 win over Wales at the Rome Olympics and advanced to the round of 16 of the European Championship as a first-place finisher, so it will travel at Wembley to play against the second in Group C. A goal from Matteo Pessina in the 41st minute was enough for Roberto Mancini’s men, who chained their eleventh consecutive win without conceding a goal and equaling their unbeaten record , with 30, like those of Vittorio Pozzo’s Italy in the 1930s.
The “azzurri” did not give a choice to a Wales that was left with ten men by the expulsion of Ethan Ampadu at 55 and who advanced to eighth as second, so they will face eighth, in Amsterdam, second in Group B, which includes Belgium, Denmark, Russia and Finland.
Nothing “biscotto”, promised Mancini at the press conference on the eve, and Italy, despite the eight changes made by the coach to manage energy and give minutes to several illustrious substitutes, such as Federico Chiesa, Federico Bernardeschi and Andrea Belotti, took possession of the ball and maintained a high competitive level. Marco Verratti, recovered from an injury to the collateral ligament of his right knee, was the leader in midfield and gave pace to an Italy that creates, combines, entertains and enjoys its offensive play. However, contrary to what happened against Turkey and Switzerland, Italy failed to definitively sentence the party and Wales remained alive, until building an unbeatable opportunity for Bale. The Real Madrid winger was able to tie the game at 75, but his left-footed volley ended high, after the Italian defense forgot about him in a stoppage-time action. It was the last chance for Wales who despite losing the match will advance to the round of 16 as second.
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