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Marco Verratti Proved He Is The Ultimate Midfield Metronome With World-Class Display vs Wales

Marco Verratti Proved He Is The Ultimate Midfield Metronome With World-Class Display vs Wales

It was his first ever Euros appearance but Marco Verratti was utterly wonderful in Italy's win over Wales at the Stadio Olimpico.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Marco Verratti completely ran the game in Italy's 1-0 win over Wales at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night.

The Paris Saint-Germain star didn't feature in the Azzurri's first two fixtures as he was recovering from a knee injury.

This was actually his European Championship debut but you wouldn't have known it by the way he played.

Verratti was typically classy; breaking up play, orchestrating attacks showing what a world-class midfielder he is as he controlled and dictated with ease.

Image: PA
Image: PA

The 28-year-old had 136 touches in the game, which was more than anyone else on the pitch. He completed 100% of both his tackles and take-ons, as well as boasting a 94% pass accuracy (103 completed passes).

His tally of five chances created bettered the efforts of anyone else involved and most crucially, he supplied the assist that resulted in Italy taking maximum points in Group A.

Verratti sent in a lovely cross from a free-kick which was volleyed home by Matteo Pessina on just his second start for Italy.

The former Pescara man's display in the middle of the park was as complete as they come and served as a reminder that he is one of the very best in the world in his position.

His outing led to widespread appreciation amongst fans:

We're talking about an absurdly gifted footballer who would get into every single team competing in Euro 2020.

If he keeps producing, Verratti could quite easily go down as an all-time great.

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Topics: Football, Euro 2020, marco verratti, Wales, Italy