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#3 Ethan Ampadu's red card proves to be the final nail in the coffin for Wales
Wales struggled to contain a creative Italy side and most of their chances came from corners and free-kicks. It was clear that Rob Page's men needed to do something to get a grip on the game. But they were on the receiving end of some harsh decision making by the match officials. Defender Ethan Ampadu was red-carded in the 55th minute for a foul on Juventus' Federico Bernardeschi.
The Chelsea defender had put in a late challenge and caught Bernardeschi slightly higher and stepped over his ankle in the follow-through. Ovidiu Hațegan did not hesitate in showing the 20-year-old marching orders. A VAR check followed, which ruled in favor of the original decision. Ampadu had to be consoled by Gareth Bale as he left the pitch in tears.
With their numerical disadvantage, securing a point from an already difficult game became more tedious for the visiting side. With Ampadu's dismissal, hopes of a comeback also faded away.
#2 Italy match their longest unbeaten run in history with a comfortable win in front of the home fans
Italy were already guaranteed a spot in round 16 but ensured they topped the group with a comfortable win over Wales. This win also holds special significance for the hosts. The Azzurri were able to match their longest unbeaten run of 30 games with this result.
The Italians were very dominant in the group stage fixtures and scored seven goals without a reply against the likes of Turkey, Switzerland and Wales. The record of 30 games without a defeat was set all the way back between November 1935 and July 1939. Roberto Mancini achieved the same results in three years.
Given their incredible form, they look on track to create history in round 16 of the fixture.
#1 With a flawless performance in the group stage Italy make a statement
Italy had a great run in the group stage fixtures and won all three of them with ease. They recorded a 3-0 win in the first two games with their strongest XI and even with a team of second-choice players, they eked out a 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico.
The hosts did not concede a single goal in the group stage and that stretched their run to 11 games with a clean sheet and a win. Mancini has worked wonders with the team and after the humiliation of not having qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the team has been a force to be reckoned with.
Many did not consider Italy to be serious contenders for the title but as things stand they have been the best side in the competition so far. They have been excellent at the back, great in midfield and superb in the final third, so all teams will be praying to avoid a matchup with them in the knockout stages.
Also See: Top 5 national teams with the most fans in the world
