No team has been more impressive than Italy through the Group Stage of EURO 2020. The Azzurri are one of two teams that has yet to allow a goal at the tournament, and their +7 goal differential is currently tops among all teams. They had little trouble dispatching of Turkey, Switzerland, and Wales in Group A, and they are heavy favorites to advance to the quarterfinals. Austria is currently standing in Italy’s way, but the Austrians aren’t expected to be much of a challenge. This is the first time that Austria has advanced to the knockout round at the European Championships.
Don't miss a second of EURO 2020. This match will be held at Wembley Stadium in London, England at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Catch every moment of the match live on ABC.
UEFA EURO 2020 Odds at BookMaker.eu
Italy -198
Austria +649
Draw +326
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Odds Analysis
Austria did what they needed to in order to get out of Group C. Although they struggled to beat North Macedonia in their first match, they eventually put the debutantes away by a 3-1 score line. They fell to group winners the Netherlands in Amsterdam in their next match, but they did successfully one-up Ukraine 1-0 to finish second in their group.
The Austrians are hoping to have captain Julian Baumgartlinger back for this match. Baumgartlinger suffered a knee injury in late January while with his club team, Bayer Leverkusen. He was able to come on in the closing minutes against North Macedonia, but he has not seen any real action just yet. His inclusion in the final XI would be a huge boost for the team, as he is one of Austria’s most talented and experienced players.
Marko Arnautovic and David Alaba are the two stars for Austria. Arnautovic has 27 goals in his international career, and Alaba has found the back of the net 14 times. Austria doesn’t have a lot of offensive weapons, so they will need Arnautovic and Alaba to create bits of magic in order to get past Italy.
This is the most well-rounded Italian team in quite some time. Italy can attack with some of the best teams in the world, and they are no longer reliant on strong defense and Gianluigi Buffon in net.
Ciro Immobile is proving that he is a top tier striker, and Lorenzo Insigne and Andrea Belotti have had moments of brilliance too. Manuel Locatelli notched a brace against Switzerland too, proving that this attack can come from any direction. This is a much better offensive team than any Italian side we have seen in recent memory.
Italy will be without defender Alessandro Florenzi for this match. The status of captain Giorgio Chiellini is in doubt too after he came off injured against Switzerland. Chiellini has taken part in some practices, but the erstwhile center back might not be able to give it a go on Saturday.
Matchup to Watch
If Baumgartlinger is unable to play, Austria’s midfield will be at a serious disadvantage against Italy. The Azzurri have an extremely talented collection of midfielders led by Jorginho. We saw Jorginho’s importance in Chelsea’s Champions League victory over Manchester City, as he continually disrupted the Citizens in the middle of the pitch. He is an excellent passer that can get his teammates out on the break and doesn’t turn the ball over.
Free EURO 2020 Betting Pick
Austria may be able to hold Italy at bay for a half, but eventually the Azzurri will break through. Italy’s talent will shine through in a rather comfortable win over Austria this weekend.
EURO 2020 Odds: Italy 3, Austria 0
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
