Marco Verratti fought with time not to lose the European and managed to recover for the last group match, that against Wales, where although he was expected to play only a few minutes, he endured a full 90 minutes.

Although not yet in his 100%, the midfielder ran a lot against the Welsh and helped the ball to circulate quickly, while the form shown seems to have convinced Mancini to give the title jersey again for the match of the stage 1/8 against Austria, planned for Saturday night at Wembley Stadium.

But the inclusion of the Paris Saint Germain midfielder in the lineup will not be at all easy for coach Mancini, as he will have to sit on the bench one between Barella and Locatelli, both players who have shown that they deserve to play from the first minute, with what they have given in the first matches.

Meanwhile, right-back Alessandro Florenzi and captain Giorgio Chiellini will not be available for the match against Austria, who are continuing with the recovery phase, after the injuries suffered in the first and second match of the group, respectively.

The doctors’ plan is to recover the two defenders for the quarterfinal challenge, always if the “axurri” will manage to qualify, while against Austria from the first minute Di Lorenzo is expected to play on the right wing and Francesco Acerbi in the center next to Leonardo Bonucci.

There is no doubt in the meantime about the attacking department, as the “trident” Insigne-Immobile-Berardi will return, who have made impressive appearances in the first two group matches, while Chiesa and Belotti will start from the bench, ready to use the opportunity that can be given to them.

Italy closed the group stage perfectly, after taking 9 possible points, winning all three matches, with a fantastic balance of 7 goals scored and none conceded, while announcing their candidacy to win the European Championship.