During the European Championship, John Duggan brings you a preview and tips for the top football games in association with Paddy Power...
A lot of people will have reassessed Italy after the Group stage of the European Championship.
It's evident now that Roberto Mancini's men are playing with unity and verve - 3 games played - 7 goals scored and none conceded.
It's true that they don't have stars rolling off the tongue, such as Pirlo, Buffon and Totti, but the newcomers of today are the stars of tomorrow. It's evident that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will be a star.
Mancini was an elite club football manager and we are seeing his imprint on this Italian team, organised, but also fluid going forward. They have a strong midfield and Marco Verratti's return will only add to it.
So they should account for Austria in the last 16 at Wembley in Saturday's second football encounter.
The Austrians beat North Macedonia and Ukraine to get here, but lost 2-0 to the Netherlands.
Italy had the opportunity to rest players for the Wales game, so actually enter this knockout fixture slightly fresher.
I expect them to dominate the ball against an Austrian side that will be looking to the outstanding David Alaba for inspiration and Marko Arnautovic for goals.
It is Italy though that I expect to prevail.
Lazio's Ciro Immobile has already found the net twice in as many games.
While it's too early to tell if he'll be the Toto Schillaci of this tournament, he's playing with confidence, having scored 20 goals in Serie A football last season.
Strikers thrive on confidence and Immobile has that right now. He's worth support to continue the goal scoring run.
Football recommendation: Ciro Immobile to score at any time for Italy against Austria in the European Championship last 16 - 7/5
Good luck!
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