Former France coach Raymond Domenech believes Italy are ‘one of the clear candidates to win Euro 2020’ and Manuel Locatelli is ‘the real surprise.’
The Azzurri won all three Group A matches, extending their overall unbeaten run to 30 games, and will face Austria in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
“Italy are now one of the clear candidates to win Euro 2020,” Domenech told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“They seem to me the only national team that confirms its status game by game, whereas the others are raising doubts. Italy manage to maintain personality and conviction.”
It’s high praise from Domenech, who was on the France bench when they lost the 2006 World Cup Final to Italy and has often been very harsh on Calcio in general.
“I admire the collective spirit of the side, the pace with which they attack, the determination to win the ball back immediately and counter, never allowing their opponents a moment of peace.
“Roberto Mancini brought a breath of fresh air to the Italian football culture, which had become too stereotypical.”
Domenech has been particularly impressed by Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli, even though he could lose his spot against Austria to Marco Verratti.
“His first goal against Switzerland was fantastic, the way he spread the play for Domenico Berardi and then sprinted forward to follow the move and score. He has all the characteristics of the modern midfielder, who few big clubs have around Europe. He’s athletic, solid physically, has technique and is quick. Locatelli is the real surprise of the Euros for me.”