Roberto Mancini confirms Marco Verratti will start against a Wales side who ‘combine technique and typical British physicality,’ but although Italy are making numerous changes, they ‘always play to win.’
The Azzurri have already qualified for the Round of 16 at Euro 2020 and need at least a point tomorrow at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT) to be sure of top spot in Group A.
There were question marks over whether PSG star Verratti would play, having not even been on the bench against Turkey and Switzerland, but Mancini resolved that with his statement.
“Marco needs to play. He’s doing well after several days of training, so if he starts – and he probably will – then we’ll evaluate his condition at half-time,” said the coach in his press conference.
“I genuinely believe we have 26 starters in this squad. If you look at our Nations League campaign and the Euro qualifiers, we changed a lot in terms of personnel and it made little difference.”
With a pair of 3-0 victories so far, Italy have emerged as the most attractive and entertaining team to watch at the tournament so far.
“Well, we’re an attractive bunch of lads,” he joked. “It’s pleasing, but we must always try to do better. It doesn’t create pressure, it makes us happy. France remain the favourites, despite their draw with Hungary. Then there’s also Belgium, so nothing changes as far as I am concerned.”
It has been suggested that Italy might even prefer second place in Group A, as it’d allow them to avoid the likes of Belgium in the knockout rounds, but Mancini won’t hear of it.
“We always play to win, that is our principle and we will stand by it. We don’t have an issue whether we play our next game in London or Amsterdam, it makes no difference,” continued the CT.
“Wales are a difficult team to face, as for years they’ve been in the higher levels of the world ranking and have quality players. They are a British side, so physically strong, and let’s not forget they reached the semi-finals of the last Euros. We will try to win, that is our objective.
“Wales play with Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, players with good technique. They combine that technique with the typical British physicality.”