Austria coach Franco Foda admits the Euro 2020 Round of 16 is ‘very special’ for him, as his father was Italian, and ‘anything is possible.’
It kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday at 20.00 UK time.
“Austria are playing their first Euros Round of 16, so it’s a very special game for me, my staff, the players and the Federation,” Foda told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is also very special for me, as my father was Italian, but my parents moved to Germany many years ago and didn’t really keep in touch with our Italian relatives. I do still go to Italy very often on vacation and have a special rapport with that country.”
Roberto Mancini’s men are unbeaten in 30 games, winning their last 10 in a row with clean sheets.
“We are the outsiders in this clash, as Italy are favourites both against us and in general to win Euro 2020. Mancini has really improved the side, as they play wonderful football, are super organised and always play on the attack.
“However, we want to have our say and anything is possible in football, especially in a one-off match like this. Austria are solid, aggressive in the pressing and have excellent individual talents.”