EURO 2020

EURO 2020 Half-time: Italy 1-0 Wales

EURO 2020 Half-time: Italy 1-0 Wales. Pessina’s goal is fair reward for Italian dominance. Wales have barely threatened. The page needs to find a route for them back into this game if they are to get a point to guarantee a second spot in the group or, indeed, the win that would send them top. The worry for them is, though, that Italy has shown no sign of letting up and will likely aim to increase their lead in the second period.

As things stand, Wales’ goal difference is +1, while Switzerland is -1. If that changes because of further goals either in this game or in the Switzerland-Turkey match, then Wales could find themselves having to hope to reach the next round as one of the best third-placed teams.

Bales fails to control a pass, allowing the ball to trickle out of play at the byline as Wales tried to muster an attack. Verrati does a little shuffle wide on the let and then curls a lovely pass into the path of Pessina, who has made another late run into the area. He slides to get a touch on it and sends it towards goals, but it takes a nick and goes just wide.

Italy aren’t sated. They want more goals. Wales can’t get out of their half, and can’t get the ball. The home team have the breakthrough that they’ve been threatening! It came from a setpiece that Verratti took after being shunted to the ground by Allen. Verratti got up to take it wide on the right, curling it into Pessina, who hits it on the run about 10 yards out, guiding it into the far corner.

Wales stay organised as Italy string together endless passes in front of them. Eventually, Verrati tries to drop a pass from the centre circle over the top of the defender and on to the foot of Belotti. Once again, it’s a tiny bit too long for the striker. But if they get one of those perfect, Wales will be in a world of bother.

James sends a freekick from way out on the right over to the far side of the box. Rodon does well to connect with it but can’t get enough power on the header to trouble the keeper. Jorginho flights a long ball from the centre circle into the path of Chiesa, who miscontrols it. But the tactic is clear and those long crossfield passes to the wings have caused plenty of problems for Wales so far.

Second Half promises to be a fire one.