England vs. Italy Prop Picks: EURO 2020 Final Predictions
England vs. Italy Prop Picks: EURO 2020 Final Predictions
Not for 55 years have England appeared in the final of a major tournament. Indeed, there has been a sense of destiny about the journey of Gareth Southgate and his players, but their Euro 2020 final opponents Italy are also looking to make their own history having last won the European Championships in 1968.
While England have faced criticism for being too conservative, dull even, Italy have caught the eye with a series of exhilarating attacking displays. However, Roberto Mancini’s side also know how to keep things tight at the back having started the tournament with three straight clean sheets.
Here are some prop betting picks ahead of the Euro 2020 final between Italy and England on Sunday July 11.
England vs. Italy Predictions
The midfield will be a key battleground in this one. The Italian trio of Nicolo Barella, Jorginho and Marco Verratti will have a numerical advantage over the English duo of Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice in the centre of the pitch. This could see Southgate ask Mason Mount drop deeper to stop his teammates from being overwhelmed.
If Italy are to harm England on Sunday, they will likely have to get the better of Kyle Walker. Denmark and Ukraine attempted to unsettle the Three Lions’ defence by directing long passes into the channels, but the pace of Walker saw this ploy fail. Through the likes of Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne, though, Italy might have a better chance of making it work.
Of course, England will pose their own threat. Raheem Sterling has been one of the players of the whole tournament, providing the Three Lions with an attacking spark even when they were struggling for traction in the early stages of the tournament. Harry Kane has also improved with every game he has played at Euro 2020.
England’s pace could give Italy some real problems at the back. While Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini have been among the strongest centre back pairings at the tournament, they aren’t the quickest when tracking back towards their own goal. A high line could spell trouble for Italy against the likes of Bukayo Saka and Sterling.
Mancini’s masterplan sees Italy defend on the front foot and they will need to do that in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final to stop England from exposing the vulnerabilities of their backline. If the Azzurri’s midfield three can control the game, and if they can release the likes of Chiesa and Insigne into space, they will impose themselves on this game.