Italy Complete Perfect Group Stage
Italy put in a professional display against Wales, winning 1-0 in Rome to make it three wins from three and without having conceded a goal in the group stage.
Roberto Mancini made eight changes to his starting XI that beat Switzerland last time out, yet there was very little evidence of being hindered by their ‘B team’.
It was a bright start from Italy, and the two best chances in the opening exchanges fell to Andrea Belotti.
First, a fine cross from Alessandro Bastoni almost picked out the Torino forward but, at full stretch, was unable to connect. Then, with the ball at his feet, attempted a strike across goal but it went well wide of the far post.
The breakthrough came seven minutes before the break, as Marco Verratti on his first start of the campaign picked out Matteo Pessina with a low cross which was cleverly steered home by the Atalanta defender.
At the start of the second half, Federico Bernardeschi quickly became the protagonist. The Juventus came close to netting a freekick from all of 30 yards, but was denied by the post.
Then, on 55 minutes, Ethan Ampadu caught Bernardeschi with a dangerous tackle for which the Welsh defender saw a straight red card.
Yet it was Wales who had arguably the best chance of the second period, as the ball found Bale all alone in the area on 75 minutes, but the Real Madrid forward could only blaze his volley over the bar.
In the end, the result served both sides as Italy go through as group leaders while Wales claimed second place ahead of Switzerland on goal difference.
