3 KEY FACTORS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE ITALY-ENGLAND EURO 2020 FINAL
3
Italy’s counter-attacking style and shooting prowess
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Italy have played exciting football in most of their matches at Euro 2020, but also defended dourly in the second half against Belgium and for long time in their match against Spain. They played classic counter-attacking game against Spain, and their only goal came from one such move.
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Italy are again likely to play defensive football from the very beginning. Their front three of Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile and Federico Chiesa will look forward to receiving long through passes from their own half. A player like Marco Verratti is well capable of probing such passes.
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However, if Italy go into the match with a defensive mindset, they might decide to drop Immobile and play with a 4-5-1 formation with Insigne as the lone striker. In that case, Dominico Berardi would come in to play his part in the counter-attacks and would also do some defensive work.
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2
The midfield battle
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England have played two defensive midfielders, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, in every Euro 2020 match so far and the final will be no exception. Both those players have typically stayed near the halfway line whenever England have pressed high and made some vital interceptions too.
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However, Italy’s Nicolo Barella has the ability to play box-to-box, and his surging runs might push England’s midfield duo back further inside their own half. Barella will be a key man in this regard, and his occasional forward run might make it difficult for England to have the upper-hand in the middle.
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Italy also have another experienced midfielder in Marco Verratti. The 28-year-old central midfielder will also look to make some vital challenges near the halfway line and thereby foil England’s efforts to take the attack to Italy from the midfield.
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1
England’s attack vs Italy’s defence
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Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, two of the most prolific goal-scorers of Euro 2020, will want to sign off with a victory on Sunday. But for that to happen, they would have to overcome a strong Italian defense, which includes Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.
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It would not be an easy task for the Englishmen to score past Bonucci and Chiellini. However, each of Austria, Belgium and Spain managed to score in their respective knockout clashes with Italy, and England would take heart from that.
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Jack Grealish, who has also impressed at Euro 2020, might play a vital role as a substitute. He would pose a serious threat to the Italian defense with his dribbling and passing skills. He must be eagerly looking forward to feature in the final and help his side win the cup.
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