Marcello Lippi believes Nicolò Barella and Ciro Immobile will be Italy’s key players at Euro 2020, but warns: ‘It’s not like in 2006…’
The former Italy coach, winner of the 2006 World Cup, previewed Euro 2020 in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I can see Italy have self-esteem and the quality to reach a great result. There is ambition and a solid base, but it’s not like in 2006 when we played more games before the beginning of the tournament,” the 73-year-old said.
“However, the reality is that Italy always play to win, everytime we play a big competition. If we’ll be lucky enough and all the players will be fit, then everything is possible,” he continued.
“I see two players who can be decisive. The first one is Nicolò Barella, because he does everything top players do in his position. He attacks and defends, he has the confidence to shoot from outside the penalty area, he is the prototype of a great international midfielder.
“The other one is Ciro Immobile. I trust him and I think the right moment has come to reap the rewards of his hard work,” the former CT continued.
“[Roberto] Mancini has done so much. He boosted the team’s self-esteem, Italy play offensive football and the coach knows how to win.”