Euro 2020: Italy versus Austria Preview

Entering Euro 2020, Italy were perhaps seen as a team with an outside shot of making a deep run in the tournament.

They had plenty to prove considering they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. While Roberto Mancini has done a brilliant job in turning Italy around, they needed to put that to the test in a major tournament.

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Their Round of 16 opponents, Austria, may consider themselves fortunate to have gotten past the group stage. But here they are and looking to spoil the fun for the Italians.

Euro 2020: How Italy and Austria got here

Italy had something to prove heading into the tournament — and they have.

Their match against Turkey was the one that started off Euro 2020 and did they ever make a good impression. It took them until the second half to get through the Turkish defense but they did in the 53rd minute courtesy of an own goal by Merih Demiral.

Ciro Immobile would score for Italy in the 66th minute followed by a Lorenzo Insigne strike in the 79th. They won the game 3-0 which marked the first time they scored three goals in a European Championship.

Italy continued their strong start and scored three more goals in a 3-0 win against Switzerland before winning 1-0 against Wales to top Group A.

Their performances were definitely impressive, which has elevated the team from a possible dark horse to one of the favorites to win the whole thing. Traditionally seen as simply a solid defensive side, Italy are now a good side going forward despite not having a “world class” forward with all due respect to Immobile.

With that being said, Immobile is tied for the team’s top scorer with two goals. He’s tied with Manuel Locatelli who has really made his stamp during the group stage. He’s perhaps exceeded expectations and, of course, is now firmly in the sights of the top teams in Europe.

Austria, on the other hand, came in second in Group C having won two games and lost the other. The one they lost was against the leaders of the group, Netherlands.

Led by Real Madrid star David Alaba, Austria are not just a one-man team. In addition to the hybrid defender/midfielder, the team also boasts the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Marcel Sabitzer and Stefan Lainer.

In other words, they are no pushover.

They struggled against the Netherlands but beat North Macedonia 3-1 to start off their campaign and won 1-0 against the Ukraine.

Still, Italy are the clear favorites in this match-up.

History is in the Italians favor. Italy are unbeaten in their last 13 meeting against Austria in all competitions. This will be their first meeting since they last met in a friendly back in August of 2008. That game ended in a 2-2 draw.

The experience of Mancini’s side is also an advantage as this is the first time the Austrians have made it to the knockout phase of the Euros.

Italy have yet to concede a goal in this tournament. Austria scored four goals in three games but three of them were against North Macedonia. It’s going to be an uphill battle to try to get one past the Italian defense.

Italy seem to have things figured out and have been bolstered by the return of Marco Verratti. Any team can have an off day. However, it’s going to take a really bad off day for Austria to be able to get past Italy.