Roberto Mancini warns Italy are not yet in the Final and finds it unfair that the tickets for the semi-finals won’t be split between Italian and Spanish fans only.
The Azzurri face Spain in the semis of UEFA Euro 2020 at Wembley tomorrow.
It kicks off at 8 pm UK time at Wembley Stadium.
“It will be a tough game, Spain are different from Belgium, but we will still face many difficulties. We suffered against Austria because of their aggressivity and because it was the first game in the knock-out stage,” Mancini said at a press conference.
“Spain have been extraordinary over the last few years, they have many young players and an excellent coach.
“Luis Enrique won the Champions League with Barcelona, but not only that. His Roma side played good football.”
The former Barcelona tactician coached Daniele De Rossi at Roma and the Giallorossi legend is now part of Mancini’s staff.
“Daniele has spoken highly of Luis Enrique, but he’s changed since. It will be a little different. Spain deserve to be here,” Mancini said.
One of the strengths of his Italy side is believed to be the unity of the group, including Mancini’s staff with the likes of Gianluca Vialli and Attilio Lombardo, just to name a few.
“Vialli and I have grown up together, we are more than friends. He is like a brother to me, like those who played in that Sampdoria side. Luca is a bit older, so we like to listen to him when he speaks,” Mancini said.
The CT commented on the fact that many Italian journalists and pundits already feel the Azzurri are in the Final.
“I hope they get it right for once,” the coach said.
“It won’t be easy, we need to put in a great performance, Spain are a top team, we are in the semifinals, so it won’t be easy.
“It’s nice that fans will be at the stadium, but I find it unfair that there won’t be half Italians and half Spaniards,” the coach added before defending Ciro Immobile, who was criticised for his performance against Belgium: “He is the Golden Boot, one of the best scorers of the last few years, sometimes the most criticised are the decisive ones during the Euros or the World Cup.”