Wales chasing prize of last-16 date at Wembley, says Bale

LONDON: Gareth Bale believes Wales could benefit from a knockout Euro 2020 game at Wembley.

Wales have not yet qualified for the round of 16, but they play Italy in Rome on Sunday knowing victory would see them top Group A and set up a Wembley date against probably either Austria or Ukraine.

Italy will take that Wembley spot by avoiding defeat to Wales who, if they finish second in the group, will head to Amsterdam and meet the runners of Group B – most likely Denmark, Finland or Russia. “It would be a fantastic result for us if we were to beat Italy,” said Wales captain Bale. “Obviously we’d win the group and I guess have a slightly easier game going into the next round.

“For the Welsh fans to come and watch us is something we’d love to do. The aim for us is to win the group and then that game would be at Wembley, which would be great for Wales fans.

“Italy play very good football, very attacking football, and don’t concede too many. They are a very well-equipped all-rounded team, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have weaknesses. We’ve worked on things and we definitely think there’s areas we can exploit.”

Italy’s former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini compared Wales to Stoke at his pre-match press conference by saying “they were a very tough nut to crack”.

Told about Mancini’s comment, Bale quipped: “I never knew Stoke were that good!

“Winning always breeds confidence, that winning mentality. The win (against Turkey) gives us more confidence going into this game.”

Bale missed from the penalty spot in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over Turkey in Baku, sending his kick high over the crossbar.

But the Real Madrid forward insisted he is happy to stay on spot-kick duty, saying: “I’m happy to take penalties.

“I’m sure it’s a decision the manager has to make. If I’m asked to step up again I have no problem taking another penalty.”