Italy continued their impressive form at both ends against Wales, when the Azzurri kept another clean sheet and Matteo Pessina scored the decider after 39 minutes. Check out Football Italia’s player ratings.
Gianluigi Donnarumma 7 – The young shot stopper continues to keep clean sheets, with the Azzurri passing 1,000 minutes without conceding and are pushing for the record. Safe and secure when called upon too, not making any mistakes, but maybe lucky that Gareth Bale didn’t make the most of a great opportunity after 75 minutes. (Sirigu N/A – Sirigu replaced Donnarumma at the 89th minute)
Rafael Toloi 6.5 – The Atalanta defender surely gives the CT a third option at right-back, but nothing more than a reliable alternative.
Leonardo Bonucci 7 – The veteran did a good job to keep the Welsh away from the target in the first 45 minutes. (Acerbi 6 – Struggled initially, but eventually found his place in the back four, gave away a big chance at the start of the second half and Italy were more vulnerable without Bonucci)
Alessandro Bastoni 7 – The youngster continues to impress in the Azzurri shirt, even contributing going forward.
Emerson Palmieri 6.5 – The Chelsea full-back was given a chance to give Leonardo Spinazzola a run for the spot, but wasn’t as efficient as his colleague has been so far.
Marco Verratti 7.5 – The assist man seemed eager to show his worth, working his socks off in the first half to nullify any potential threat from Bale and Ramsey, showing great technique and composure on the ball. Took over the captaincy when Bonucci went off and showed why he was missed by the fans, even if Manuel Locatelli has done a great job in his absence.
Jorginho 7 – Always secure on the ball, continues to control the pace of the Azzurri in his third consecutive game at the Euros. (Cristante 6 – The Roma midfielder never really found the rhythm of the play and was ball watching when Bale luckily smashed it high)
Matteo Pessina 7.5 – Match winner and youngest Italy player to score in his first start at a major tournament since Antonio Cassano in 2004. Did very well next to Verratti and Jorginho. (Castrovilli N/A – The Fiorentina man entered after 87 minutes)
Federico Bernardeschi 7 – Close to scoring the second goal for the Azzurri when his free kick rattled the woodwork, showed good skills and work rate at right, enjoying his time on the pitch after two games on the bench (Raspadori 6 – The youngster was given his first minutes in Euro 2020 and was eager to impress, but didn’t make much of an impact)
Andrea Belotti 7 – Close to scoring, gave Italy a new element by holding the ball up and link with his teammates. Close to scoring towards the end.
Federico Chiesa 7 – The Juventus winger is an extra weapon going forward and gave Wales trouble with his pace and quick feet.