Italy will face further tests in the last 16 of Euro 2020 (Euro 2021) when they meet the Austria. Italy is able to perform perfectly and it can be a burden for them.
Italy passed three matches in the preliminary round with perfect results. Scored seven goals and conceded none and dominated most of the chances.
This was added to by the fact that Roberto Mancini even had time to rest many core players in the last match against Wales.
This condition makes Italy really have mature preparations to meet Austria in the round of 16 of Euro 2020 (Euro 2021).
In terms of play, Italy under Roberto Mancini really dazzle. Doubts about Italy, which had failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, were successfully removed by Mancini.
In the hands of the Sampdoria legend, Italy underwent an extraordinary transformation. Without having star players who stand out from their individual qualities, Italy can implement an amazing team collectivity.
Italy’s midfield filled by Nicolo Barella, Jorginho, and Manuel Locatelli made Italy really control the game in three matches.
Mancini may be more concerned about choosing players because Marco Verratti who played in the match against Wales also showed quality possession and vision to play very well.
On the front lines, the positions of Domenico Berardi, Ciro Immobile, and Lorenzo Insigne are unlikely to shift. But Federico Chiesa, who performed brilliantly in the last match, could be Mancini’s choice.
At the back, Leonardo Bonucci will be the mainstay because Giorgio Chiellini is in a dubious condition with Leonardo Spinazzola confirmed to fill the left-back position. While the position of right back is still a bone of contention for some players.
Italy is really in a state of readiness and doesn’t have much weakness if you look at their performances in the group stage.
But perhaps the thing that could be a weakness is the weight behind the perfection and charm of the game that Italy has shown so far.
Italy has not conceded a goal for a long time. Not only in these three Euro 2020 matches, but in 11 matches.
If Austria could steal a goal first, Italy would face a situation they haven’t felt in a long time, namely being left behind and under pressure.
Another pressure is the change in Italy’s status. Before Euro 2020 started, Italy was not considered at the forefront of potential champions despite having a strong history in football.
Italy lost to France, Belgium, Portugal and even England for the favors on paper based on performances in recent years.
Now, Italy has actually transformed into one of the most attractive teams in the group phase. Italy is currently considered worthy of being a candidate for the Euro 2020 (Euro 2021) champions.
In terms of quality, Italy has a lot of capital to beat Austria. However, the excessive burden that Italy suddenly carried after winning the group could be a threat that Austria could exploit.
As a team, Austria cannot be underestimated. The majority of members of the Austria currently compete in the Bundesliga.
Because of that, Italy cannot underestimate Austria because the quality of the Austrian players has the potential for danger.
At the back, it is interesting to see the position of David Alaba. As a versatile player, Alaba can be placed in the position of center back, left back, to defensive midfielder. The determination of Alaba’s position can also be crucial for the continuity of the match in the match later.
Meanwhile, in midfield, the figure of Marcel Sabitzer deserves attention. Sabitzer is in the ranks of the elite players in the Bundesliga and his move could be the start of disaster for the Italian defense.
Not to mention the role of Christoph Baumgartner who scored the winning goal in the match against Ukraine.
Up front, Austria have Sasa Kalajdzic and Marko Arnautovic. Kalajdzic who is only 23 years old is quite fertile in the Bundesliga with a score of 16 goals.
But if Austria chooses to return to playing a lone striker, Arnautovic will get the chance first.
With a large body posture, Arnautovic has the physical capital to fight against Bonucci et al in the Italian defense.
Another thing that could be disastrous for Italy is of course the set piece obtained by Austria. Alaba, who is a set-piece specialist, could surprise Italy if Gli Azzurri gave him a comfortable position.
Austria clearly has a smaller chance of holding onto a ticket to the quarter-finals, but Austria could surprise Italy if the opponent was too burdened by the sudden favourite.
