Dries Mertens admits Belgium vs. Italy is ‘a special game’ and after eight years at Napoli he is ‘a bit Italian’ himself, seeing some similarities to Maurizio Sarri’s Partenopei.
The UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-final kicks off in Munich on Friday at 20.00 UK time.
“It is a special game for me, as I’ve been in Italy for years, so it can’t help but be special,” assured the Napoli striker in his press conference.
He even earned himself the most Neapolitan of nicknames, Ciro, because of how well he was settled into life in the city under the shadow of Vesuvius.
“Do I feel Italian? A bit, yes. Maybe I gesture like an Italian… I like to have fun, Naples is a beautiful city and it makes me very happy.”
The striker assured he has not been in contact with his friends in the Azzurri squad since they were paired against each other in the tournament.
Some have compared Roberto Mancini’s 4-3-3 Italy side to the Napoli that shone under Sarri.
“They play beautiful football and are a team who impressed everyone in this tournament,” continued Mertens.
“They’ve got a great squad and played the best football in the group stage, they were very entertaining to watch. They combine youth with experience and not everyone expected Italy to be this strong.
“It’s difficult to compare Italy with Sarri’s Napoli. I see Jorginho at the centre of their play and he is an extraordinary player, but this Italy really is a collective and we cannot concentrate on just one player.”
Mertens also knows another key player very well, his Napoli teammate Lorenzo Insigne.
“The danger is all of Italy. They know what they’re doing, don’t concede goals and score plenty. Everyone has seen their games, the way they play, you can recognise the tactical routines they practiced. Italy really play like a team.”
Is this the last chance for the Belgian golden generation to win a trophy after going close in 2018?
“I don’t think so. We must be realistic, we have a chance and it’s not easy, but I don’t think it’s our last chance.”