Now it's getting serious. The European Championship comes alive with the knockout phase and Italy opens the first day of the round of 21 by challenging Austria (at 18 pm) in Wembley (the other match today is Wales-Denmark at XNUMX pm). In London, the Azzurri start as favourites, there's no doubt about that: the technical difference with the Austrians is too obvious, especially after the good performances in the group stage. However, it is impossible to be certain, also because other factors now come into play. Indoor or outdoor matches, as per definition, do not allow for mistakes, which is why, in addition to legs and feet, the head becomes decisive. “We'll need a great game because they have quality, they're aggressive, we'll have to be perfect, but that's the beauty of these tournaments because you always have to win and never make mistakes – thought Mancini -. We'll do our race, we can't do anything else. Playing at Wembley must be a goal for a footballer who does this job aims at these stadiums, I'm sure the boys will play well”.
The coach knows that a win would allow him to hit the minimum target, but also that settling makes no sense. After all, the European Championship said that his Italy is the best team in the tournament in terms of numbers and play, which is why many, including the usual skeptics on the eve, are seriously starting to believe in the final victory. Between now and the final on 11 July, also at Wembley, however, there are numerous obstacles and Austria, among these, is undoubtedly the most affordable. “We're all relaxed because we're counting on good players and whoever takes the field will continue to do what he's done up to now – continued Mancini-. Let's wait until the end to resolve the doubts, but I'd say we're here”. The coach from Jesi had almost a full week to prepare for the match, therefore it is legitimate to expect a fast and brilliant Italy as in the other releases, net of an Austria which, due to its characteristics and precedents, should try to press high.
An attitude which, if confirmed, would represent a novelty for the Azzurri, who have so far only faced closed opponents committed above all to defending themselves, moreover with poor results. Mancini, forced again to give up the injured Chiellini (probable return in the eventual quarter) and Florenzi, seems to have resolved all the doubts of his 4-3-3, which will see Donnarumma in goal, Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi and Spinazzola in defense , Verratti, Jorginho and Barella in midfield, Berardi, Immobile and Insigne in attack. “We know we only have a small chance of passing the round, but sometimes in life it can be enough – the thought of the Austrian coach Franco Foda, born in Germany to a German mother and an Italian father -. When you get to the round of 2 then you want to go to the quarterfinals, we are determined to reach Monaco". Where, next July XNUMX, will be played with the winner of Belgium-Portugal (tomorrow in Seville, 21), for an appointment which, evidently, not even Italy wants to miss.
Austria will try the feat by relying on a 4-1-4-1 with Bachmann between the posts, Lainer, Hinteregger, Dragovic and Alaba in the back, Grillitsch in the midfield, Laimer, Schlager, Sabitzer and Baumgartner in support of the only strikes Arnautovic, ex with an Inter past and possible new signing of Bologna.
