Three key clashes to look out for during Wales’ showdown with Italy… from Gareth Bale v Giovanni Di Lorenzo to Chris Mepham v Federico Chiesa
- If Wales inflict Italy’s first defeat in 30 matches, they will go top of Group A
- Sportsmail analyses the three key battles to look out for in Sunday’s showdown
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo will look to pin down Wales captain and star striker Bale
- Joe Allen will go up against a familiar face – Jorginho on Sunday afternoon
- While Bournemouth centre back Chris Mepham will look to keep Chiesa at bay
- Find out the latest Euro 2020 news including fixtures, live action and results here
Wales put themselves in a prime position to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2020 by beating Turkey 2-0 in Baku.
Their chances of progressing to the next stage was furthered on Wednesday night following Italy‘s 3-0 win over Switzerland.
Looking ahead to their all-important clash with Italy, Sportsmail have identified three key clashes to look out for.
From Gareth Bale v Giovanni Di Lorenzo to Chris Mepham v Federico Chiesa we’ve rounded them all up.
Wales have put themselves in prime position to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2020
Gareth Bale v Giovanni Di Lorenzo
It’s never dull with Bale. Wales’s superstar set up both goals in the win over Turkey and managed to fire a penalty over the bar.
It will be fascinating to see if he will be pegged back on Wales’s left by Napoli wing-back Di Lorenzo, who is expected to get the nod and must balance keeping tabs on Bale with getting forward himself.
The 27-year-old actually started his career as a forward and chipped in with four goals and eight assists for his club last season.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (right) will be looking to keep Gareth Bale (left) at bay on Sunday
Chris Mepham v Federico Chiesa
Bournemouth centre back Mepham, 23, was a defensive rock in the 2-0 win over Turkey. Now, with Italy hotshot Ciro Immobile likely to be rested, he is set to go up against 23-year-old Fiorentina man Chiesa. The versatile attacker can play on either side or centrally.
Chris Mepham was a defensive rock against Turkey, but will now have to face Federico Chiesa
Joe Allen v Jorginho
Veteran Allen, 31, has impressed in midfield for Rob Page’s side so far and he’s up against Chelsea’s Jorginho. The 29-year-old is integral to Roberto Mancini’s passing machine — no Italy player has completed more than his 144 in this tournament so far — and it will be fascinating to see which midfield comes out on top.
Joe Allen has impressed in midfield for Rob Page’s side but faces a stern test against Jorginho
What happens if…
If Wales win…
If they inflict Italy’s first defeat in 30 matches, Wales will top the group and would face the runners-up in Group C — almost certainly Ukraine or Austria.
If it is a draw…
They would be guaranteed to finish second and play the runners up of Group B — likely to be Finland or Russia.
If they lose…
They will still finish second if Switzerland do not beat Turkey. If Wales lose and Switzerland win, as their head-to-head record is identical (they drew 1-1), it will come down to goal difference — and Wales have a five-goal advantage.
If they inflict Italy’s first defeat in 30 matches, they will top the group and would face the runners up in Group C – almost certainly Ukraine or Austria
They Italy win the game, Wales will still finish second if Switzerland do not beat Turkey