Euro 2020 Match Previews and Picks for Sunday, June 20

At the 2020 Euros, Sunday marks the beginning of the last round of matches during the Group Stage. If you’re watching the Euros for the first time, the last games in each group are playing simultaneously to prevent any match-fixing shenanigans while also adding to the drama. On Sunday, Group A will close out proceedings with all four teams in action at the same time. Let’s look closer at the two matches on the schedule with all four teams having a chance to advance to the Knockout Stage.

Italy vs. Wales, Group A

To some extent, the pressure is off both teams in this match. Italy has already secured a spot in the Knockout Stage with a pair of wins and can win the group with a win or a draw. Meanwhile, the Welsh have one foot in the Knockout Stage, as their four points should secure at least make them one of the best third-place teams. A win for Wales gives them the group, a draw clinches second place, and even a loss puts them in a good spot to advance.

Of course, this will be the biggest test of the tournament for Wales. The Italians have arguably been the most impressive team through two games. They have scored a pair of 3-0 wins over both Turkey and Switzerland, remaining stout defensively while also showing plenty of offensive firepower. Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne have combined for three goals, which is a great sign for Italy. But Italy’s midfielders have also done a great job of making runs from deep positions to make the Azzurri even more dangerous in the attacking third.

Meanwhile, Wales looked much better going forward against Turkey than they did against Switzerland. A 2-0 win for the Welsh could have easily been a lot more lopsided against the Turks. Following a dreadful performance in the tournament opener, Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey was outstanding against Turkey. He and Gareth Bale both played like world-class players, and if that continues, Wales could be a threat in the Knockout Stage. That being said, facing a team like Italy in a match where they may not see as much of the ball could be a good litmus test for Wales.

It’s worth keeping in mind that both teams could rotate their starting lineups in this match, especially the Italians. However, Italy has been so impressive for the entire tournament that it’s difficult to imagine them dropping off, even if there are lineup changes. Meanwhile, the jury is still out on whether or not Wales has the defense chops to contain a quality opponent like Italy, making the Italians a good bet to win their third match of the tournament.

Prediction: Italy 2-0

Switzerland vs. Turkey, Group A

There is all to play for in this match with both teams needing a win to keep hope alive. Thanks to a draw with Wales in their first match, the Swiss have one point, and so a win would likely be enough to get Switzerland to the Knockout Stage. Meanwhile, Turkey needs a win just to finish third in the group and have a chance. But with a -5 goal differential, the Turks may need to win by multiple goals to improve their chances of being one of the four third-place teams to advance.

The other problem for Turkey is that they haven’t played well in their first two games. They hung in there during the first half against Italy but have been thoroughly outplayed in the three halves of soccer since then. The Turks will have no choice but to press high and try to create goal-scoring chances. We know from matches played over the past year that Turkey has the firepower to score goals when they play a more expansive style. However, playing that style also makes them vulnerable defensively.

Likewise, the Swiss will have to come out of their defensive shell a little, knowing that a draw isn’t going to help them. To their credit, the Swiss dominated possession in their opening match against Wales, owning 62% of the possession. The problem is that they weren’t clinical in the final third. Even though Xherdan Shaquiri can pull the strings while Breel Embolo and Haris Seferovic get into dangerous positions, the Swiss haven’t finished their chances. We’ve also seen some uncharacteristic defensive lapses from the Swiss over the first two games of the tournament.

If Switzerland can find an early goal and force Turkey to be even more aggressive, the Swiss could turn this game into a runaway. But it’s tough to count on Switzerland being clinical with goal-scoring chances. The same also applies to the Turks, who have struggled to create anything in the attacking third. Look for both of these teams to continue their disappointing run, finishing with a result that won’t help either.

Prediction: 1-1