We can hurt Italy:Bale

Rome: Wales are within touching distance of the Euro 2020 knockout stage as they visit Rome for their final group game against an Italy side in ominous form.

Italy are unbeaten in 29 matches, winning their previous 10 without conceding a single goal.

They are already through to the last 16 having won their first two games, while Wales have all but guaranteed their passage with four points so far.

“;It’;s going to be a big challenge”; said Wales captain Gareth Bale.

“Even if that record wasn’t there, Italy are a big footballing nation and always make games difficult.

“It would be a great result if we could win.

“Our aim is to win the game - none of us ever go into a match to get a draw. We have a plan which we think can hurt them.”

Having drawn with Switzerland and beaten Turkey, if Wales draw in Rome they will finish second in Group A and play a second-round match in Amsterdam against Group B’;s runners-up.

But if Wales inflict on Italy a first competitive home loss since 1999, they would win the group and play their next game at Wembley against Group C’s runners-up.

With only hundreds of Wales fans able to attend their matches in Rome and Baku so far, a trip to Wembley could see the Red Wall return in their thousands.

“I think for the Welsh fans to be able to come and watch us is definitely something we would love to see," said Bale.Italy manager Roberto Mancini said: “Wales are a very difficult team to face because they’ve been right up there in the Fifa world rankings for a number of years. That shows they have quality players.”-Evening Standard