The 2020 UEFA European Championship is finally here, only thing is that it’s taking place in 2021. The defending Champs Portugal are back in the Group of Death with 2016 Runners Up and 2018 World Cup Champs France and perennial powerhouse Germany. Although that division is the most interesting, do not sleep on the rest. Here are my thoughts on Group A.
Group A is the most evenly balanced Groups in the tournament. Partial Hosts, Italy comes in with a lot of pressure being on home soil on Game 1. Wales have the weight of last Euro on their backs. Turkey and Switzerland are always tough teams to play against.
1st Place – Italy (7 points)
Opening at Stadio Olimpico in Rome hosts The Azzurri face off vs Turkey. Turkey is a strong and solid unit. Very organized and play tough. The first game of the tournament will most likely start off heavy with an unmatched atmosphere for the Italians. Italy, lead by veteran Giorgio Chiellini and one of my sneak players of the tournament Federico Chiesa. The Italians should clear through this division.
2nd Place – Turkey (4 points)
In Turkish fashion, we expect them to park the bus and play solid defense. That’s why they brough in Juventus Centre-Back Marih Demiral and Liverpool future defender Ozan Kabak. Turkey has an opportunity on opening day to make a statement and steal three points from Italy. We will see Turkey assert dominance over Wales and we can expect a tough match vs Switzerland.
3rd Place – Wales (3 point)
Wales has a sneaky good team. Are all these Davies guys brothers? Ben Davies is one of the most sought out young players from the UK, add Joe Allen and Gareth Bale to the mix and you have a pretty decent squad. But this division will not be friendly to the Flying Welshmen but they will pull points vs Switzerland and draw Turkey and Italy.
4th Place – Switzerland (2 points)
Switzerland comes in at last place scoring two points from draws vs Italy and Turkey. This team is build on the bones and calves of Xherdan Shaqiri and the leadership of Fabian Schar. Unfortunately the Swiss do not have the attacking skills to score enough vs tough defensive teams like Turkey and Italy.