Sol Campbell at the Best FIFA awards

Former Arsenal and Tottenham defender Sol Campbell said Italy have ‘shown the best football in the European Championship so far’.

The Azzurri prepare to face Austria at Wembley this Saturday and Campbell spoke about the Azzurri’s performances in the group stage of Euro 2020.

“So far, the Azzurri have shown the best football in the European Championship,” Campbell told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“[Roberto] Mancini is doing an excellent job. Even in the last match, against Wales, despite eight changes, the script remained unchanged.”

The former England centre-back praised the Italian players and picked three names that impressed him against the Welsh.

“I like [Marco] Verratti, he has important touches,” he said. “[Matteo] Pessina is a find, a big player. [Rafael] Toloi did well too.

“I was only surprised by the chance squandered by [Gareth] Bale.”

Campbell continued to express his love for Italy as a country and team.

“I love Italy for several reasons: football, lifestyle, cuisine, fashion, artistic heritage. I remember the image of Ponte Milvio, in an evening in Rome three years ago. I was enchanted by its beauty.

“As a former defender, I like the way the football is interpreted. When I visited Sampdoria and Milan, I was treated very well. I would like a work experience in your country.”