Zvonimir Boban described Roberto Mancini’s work with the Italy side as ‘a masterpiece,’ as the Azzurri and Spain ‘objectively play the best football in the world.’
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“I expect a wonderful game on a technical and tactical level, as these are two great teams with a lot of quality and who objectively now play the best football in the world.
“I expect a festival of football and many goals,” Boban told RAI Sport.
These sides already met in the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final and could only be separated on penalties, Italy going on to win the trophy at Wembley Stadium.
While in the past Spain had looked down upon Italian football as being negative and defensive, that perception has transformed over the last three years.
“Mancini has done a wonderful job, all the Italians did to gather around the Nazionale with a lot of good players, perhaps not many at world class level, but good lads and a coach who really achieved a masterpiece,” continued the former Milan player and director.
“I am amazed at how he got them to work with two full-backs who before hadn’t been tactically perfect, and yet they did so well. I saw a consistent and clear tactical plan, so the lads and Mancini deserve all the praise.
“I was very happy too, as Italy is my second home. I don’t love it quite as much as Croatia, but nearly.”
Up for it 💪#ITAESP #NationsLeague #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/nSWlus4xZL
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) October 6, 2021