Eyes on Italy, Denmark as Euro knockouts begin today

The Euro 2021 round of 16 begins today with eyes focused on Italy and Denmark who are viewed as the favourites to pass the knockout test.

Wales will be taking on Denmark in the opening match to be played in Amsterdam. Wales fell by a solitary goal in their match against Italy but showed resilience in the game, making a communication that much more was yet to come in their game.

The Welshmen will be banking on Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale to put spanner in the works and down the Danes in the round of 16.

The Danes on the other hand healed from their horrific start, where they lost Inter Milan star Christian Eriksen who suffered a cardiac arrest in their 1-0 loss against Finland.

Despite their shaky start, the Danes are touted as the favourites in this tie after having won six of their past 10 meetings against Wales.

In another game, Italy plays Austria in a mouth-watering clash in the iconic London-based stadium, Wembley.

Italy is yet to suffer a blip after staging exquisite display in the tournament courtesy of Roberto Mancini’s squad rebuild. Midfield exploit by Chelsea’s Jorgino and Sassuolo’s Emanuele Locatelli have bolstered the Azurri’s chances. This is not to mention the firepower upfront by Lorenzo Insigne and Ciro Immobile.

Though the two teams are almost matched in head-to-head, with Austria having 12 wins and Italy 16; the latter team is considered the favourite for the tie.