Italy head coach Roberto Mancini believes the Euro 2020 final will deliver excitement to a full-packed Wembley Stadium. Gli Azzurri and England will trade tackles in the European Championship showpiece on Sunday night, with both teams enjoying a stunning tournament so far.
Italy will take the field in high spirits, having set a national record of 33 consecutive matches without losing as they hope to land their first Euro title since 1968. The Italians have lost back-to-back European Championship grand finals in 2000 and 2012 and are determined to break the curse in London.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions are seeking their first-ever continental crown as they make a European Championship grand final debut. Gareth Southgate’s men are hopeful of wrapping up the title in front of the home crowd, though Italy will have their say on Sunday.
Mancini is confident his squad possesses enough quality and character to upset England on their soil and walk away with a smile. In an interview in the build-up to the match, the former Inter and Manchester City boss gave an insight into his feelings ahead of the final.
“With Turkey, it was the first one, and it was a difficult match – the final is different,” he said as relayed by La Lazio Siamo Noi. “I’m not nervous, maybe tomorrow I will be.
“We must be calm. It will be difficult, for many reasons, but we have to be focused on our game and try to implement it as best we can, knowing that it will be the last game.
“If we want to enjoy ourselves for another 90 minutes, we have to do it tomorrow. Then the European Championship will be over, and they will go on holiday.
“They have a great passion for football like Italy, they have always had great teams like now. It will be a beautiful match in front of a full stadium, and this is wonderful for those who love football.
“It will be a good day to play a game, we know of their great qualities and we will see how it goes. If they are in the final, it means they are a great team.
“I hope to hear from our fans at the end of the game. We have a lot to think about during the game, defending well, scoring. I hope to hear our fans at the end of the game.“