Former Italy CT Antonio Conte believes the Azzurri are ‘one of the candidates to go all the way’ in Euro 2020.

The former Inter and Juventus coach was the CT during Euro 2016, when Italy lost on penalties against Germany in the quarter-finals.

But five years later, Conte believes Roberto Mancini’s men can go all the way to Wembley.

“The judgment on Italy is certainly positive,” Conte told Radio Anch’io Sport. “They needed to get through the group and have done it brilliantly.

“There’s unity, togetherness and great desire. This bodes well. For the rest, the other national teams are confirming themselves.

“I like France and Germany, they have experience and strong players. Belgium are an excellent team, they will be dangerous if they get [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Axel] Witsel back in top shape.”

Italy have picked up three wins without conceding any goals against Turkey, Switzerland and Wales in Group A.

Conte underlined the ‘balance between defence and attack’ and the ‘confidence’ as keys to help the Azzurri go all the way.

“They have certainly showed continuity and great desire to win games,” he said. “They are one of the candidates to go all the way.

“I like that they convey confidence. Anyone who looks at the team sees that there’s compactness and balance between the defence and the attack.

“This is important when you want to go far in a competition. Surely, now we must expect more demanding games, but you must be positive.

“What the national team are doing is certainly not something we should underestimate.”

Conte was asked if he sees any similarities between his side in 2016 and the current crop.

“The great togetherness of the team, both those who play and those who sit on the bench are pulling in the same direction,” he said.

“This is a great point in favour of Italy and we were like that too. This Italy are proving to be able to compete.”

The former Azzurri CT doesn’t believe any of the outsiders can surprise and go all the way in the competition this summer.

“Honestly, I don’t see any outsiders that can win the European Championship. In the end, it will be one of the national teams that have been predicted. Let’s hope it will be Italy.”

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