Who from Wales, Switzerland or Turkey will follow the already qualified Italy in the Round of 16?
Will only one of the three selections win a ticket or will there be a 3rd eligible?
This is the whole issue of the last day of group A, the first group of the Euro to deliver its verdict this Sunday, after Italy - Wales and Switzerland - Turkey.
Italy - Wales: Mancini will run
In addition to Squadra Azzurra, already qualified thanks to its two victories in two games (6 points), Wales, 4 points, is well placed to clinch 2nd place synonymous with 1/8 finals, or at worst a 3rd qualifying place.
Unbeaten since their 1-0 loss to Portugal in 2018, Roberto Mancini's Italy will be motivated by the prospect of equaling the 30-game unbeaten streak achieved by Vittorio Pozzo's team between 1935 and 1938 - coach world champion in 1934 and 1938.
Even at home and although 1st place in the group is reaching out to him, Mancini will certainly take the opportunity to preserve some holders and break in his best replacements in the heat of the Stadio Olimpico (32 degrees announced).
He thus decided to launch the Parisian Marco Verratti, recovered from his right knee injury in early May, who has not played so far.
The striker Federico Chiesa, pushed on the bench by Domenico Berardi, could also find the ground.
In front, Andrea Belotti could also take the place of Ciro Immobile.
29 - Manuel Locatelli's goal is the 29th scored by Italy in their last 10 matches without conceding a single one during this period.
Warning.
#ITA # EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/O5sKdA1Y46
- OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 16, 2021
Finishing in the lead would give Mancini's team a more challenging course in theory, with a good chance of ending up in the half of the table of Belgium (in 1/4) and France (in 1/2), if the latter finish themselves at the top of their group.
2nd place would give the Azzurri an easier course, with the Netherlands in quarters, but also the prospect of a long trip to Baku, precisely for this quarter.
The best is undoubtedly "not to make calculations", believes Belotti.
For the Welsh, taking at least one point is important.
A draw and Gareth Bale's team would be sure to finish in the top two.
A defeat and Switzerland (3rd, 1 point) would have a small chance to overtake them and drag them to 3rd place, which promises at best a 1 / 8th against a big fish.
Switzerland - Turkey: imperative victory
In the match in Baku (Azerbaijan), some 5,000 kilometers east of Rome, a draw would almost certainly doom both teams.
And if there is a winner, it is in 3rd place in the group that the latter will probably be able to claim.
In case of victory, the “Nati” will have 4 points and a good chance of finishing among the best 3rd.
The Turks, currently at zero points and with a very unfavorable goal difference (-5), risk going by the wayside even if they are successful.
After missing their entry into contention against Italy in the opening match (3-0), the Turks had a little more illusion against Wales but were punished for their lack of efficiency (2- 0).
How far are the days when Burak Yilmaz flew over the end of the Ligue 1 season to lead Lille to the title with in particular seven goals in the last seven days (out of 16 goals in total).
At the Euro, the Turkish captain, 35, has not yet met expectations with six shots, including only one on target, in two meetings, little helped by uninspired partners.
“We have not learned the lessons of our mistakes, admits Yilmaz, 29 goals in 69 caps.
I also target myself by these criticisms.
There is now only one thing to do: show our true face against Switzerland and win.
We owe it to our people who have always supported us.
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