FOOTBALL
Euro 2020: Italy vs England preview
England’s final hurdle at Wembley on Sunday night at Euro 2020 is Roberto Mancini’s Italy – a team that are unbeaten in 33 games.
The Italians have achieved a miracle – having gone from failing to qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup to making it to the Euro 2020 final.
Both teams have won five and drawn one of their six matches in the tournament.
England won its group, beating Croatia and the Czech Republic, while drawing Scotland before knocking off Germany, Ukraine and Denmark in extra time en route to the final.
Italy breezed through its group of Turkey, Wales and Switzerland with three wins.
They needed extra time to beat Austria, beat Belgium 2-1 and then knocked out Spain on penalties in the semi-final.
Team strengths
England gets most of its production and creativity from wide areas.
England’s midfield of Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Kalvin Phillips are very good in pressing and are also good defenders.
However, compared to Italy, they aren’t considered to be brilliant passers.
As a result, Italy has the passing edge in midfield, but England has the ability to destroy attacks and break up their passing patterns.
England will try to neutralise the midfield battle into a stalemate and focus on other other areas of the pitch, like the flanks where Luke Shaw or Tripper can be a source of creativity.
For Italy, the loss of Spinazzola is a potentially crippling blow.
He went out in the quarterfinal win against Belgium with an achilles injury. No wonder, the Italians had their worst possession performance of the tournament without him in the semi-final against Spain.
Spinazzola was Italy’s primary ball mover on the left wing, and with his supporting runs, he enabled left-sided forward Lorenzo Insigne to play in the center-left channel.
Moreover, Spinazzola was a primary supplier for Italy’s trio of midfield maestros – Jorginho, Nico Barella and Marco Verratti.
Against Spain, they struggled to keep the ball and had to resort to long balls to Ciro Immobile and Insigne, instead of building up play from the back.
England team news
After selecting a 3-5-2 against Germany, Southgate reverted back to a four-man defence for the games against Ukraine and Denmark.
His big decision will be to decide the right formation against the Italians.
Thankfully for England, they have no injury worries.
England possible starting XI
Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Phillips, Rice, Saka, Mount, Sterling, Kane
Italy team news
Against Spain Emerson Palmieri came in at left-back for the injured Leonardo Spinazzola.
Palmieri is expected to keep his place.
Federico Chiesa scored in the semi-final and should have also booked his spot in the starting eleven.
Italy possible starting XI
Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson, Barella, Jorginho, Verratti, Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne
Prediction
We expect a 1-0 victory for England.
Though Italy has exceeded all expectations, England has more depth on its bench and will be backed by 67,000 home fans which could be decisive.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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