Euro 2020 Final Preview and Betting Tips
Euro 2020 Final Preview
So, it all comes down to this. Two teams are left standing and one will be crowned European Champions. The Italians have been in three finals before, their only win coming back in 1968. For England, this is completely new territory. The Euro 2020 Final will be the first time they have ever appeared in the decider. They’ll have home advantage on Sunday night and the nation expects. Is football coming home, or will it be off to Rome? Hopefully both teams turn up and give us the final this brilliant tournament deserves, although that’s not what Dave Stevos thinks will happen. Check out his preview and betting tip below.
Italy v England
Match Odds: Italy 21/10; Draw 2/1; England 8/5.
Venue: Wembley, London.
Kick Off Time: 8.00 pm.
Gareth Southgate’s side will be looking to make history at Wembley on Sunday night. England have a chance to win their first major tournament since 1966 and the bookies make them favourites to bring home the bacon at odds of 8/5. They were excellent after they conceded the opener vs Denmark and they wholly deserved their 2-1 win.
Italy, on the other hand, were lucky to hang on vs Spain and they are 21/10 tonight. They looked absolutely knackered in the last 20 minutes of normal time but they managed to hold out and win a penalty shootout. Both semi-finals went to extra time and it is 2/1 for there to be another draw tonight. I reckon if you offered that result to Roberto Mancini now, he’d snap your hand off.
Italy
Whatever happens on Sunday night, Italy have been a great watch at Euro 2020. However, the brilliance of their earlier performances have come at a cost. They looked absolutely spent in the latter stages of the Spain match and it looks like Mancini’s tactical approach has taken its toll on the players. They have run themselves into the ground and they have already lost star wing back Spinazzola to injury. Federico Chiesa looked like he may have injured himself in extra-time vs Spain too and if he isn’t fit, Berardi could get back into the side.
Mancini is likely to persevere with Emerson in place of Spinazzola. He understandably looked a bit rusty vs Spain but he should be sharper and fitter now. Chiellini is a brilliant defender, as is Bonucci, but they do have weaknesses that England will definitely try to exploit. If Italy are going to win this, they’ll need to keep the ball much better than they did vs Spain. Italy will tire quickly if they have to chase the ball all night so Verratti and Jorginho will have to control the game and hope that Insigne, Immobile and either Berardi or Chiesa can get the goals.
England
For the first half an hour against Denmark, England were like rabbits staring at headlights. It wasn’t until they fell behind that they suddenly realised that they needed to do more than just turn up to beat the Danes. They equalised 9 minutes later and from then on, there was only going to be one winner. England dominated the game and while it was a dubious penalty that won it for them, I still think a winning goal was inevitable even if that decision was reversed. Kane missed from the spot but converted the rebound and sent England fans into delirium.
What struck me most about England was how fresh they looked vs Denmark. The way they have played throughout the tournament has stood to them and physically, they are in a much better space than the Italians. Southgate has no new injury worries and any changes he makes will be purely tactical. I would think the only place up for grabs is on the right wing but for me, Saka has done more than enough to secure his place. With talent like Grealish, Rashford, Foden and Sancho to come off the bench if required, this England team looks to have a lot in their favour on Sunday night.
Euro 2020 Final: The Verdict
I can remember as far back as Euro 92 and for me, this has been the best Euros ever. From the very outset it has been captivating to watch and it would be brilliant if the final turned out to be another classic. However, I am not too sure it will. Italy’s energy levels looked totally depleted at the end of the Spain match and I don’t think they have much left in the tank. They’ll have to rely on their technical ability and defensive prowess if they are to get a positive result on Sunday.
England, on the other hand, simply need to keep on doing what they have been doing. Don’t take too many risks, be patient and take their chances when they come. I think they have more energy in reserve than their opponents and they definitely have more quality options off the bench.
Italy may revert to type here and try to defend their way to a 0-0 draw and then penalties. I can see them maybe making it to full time, but their legs might tire and I can see England overpowering them and getting the winner in extra time. So, I am recommending two bets; No goalscorer in 90 minutes at 6/1 and England to win in extra time at 10/1. Best of luck to both sides and may the best team win. Enjoy the final!
