Devis Mangia admits his Italy Under-21 side will be underdogs in Tuesday’s European Championship Final against Spain, but his boys are targeting glory.
“I looked into the eyes of my players and no one is satisfied with just reaching the Final,” the former Palermo tactician is quoted as saying on UEFA.com.
Devis Mangia admits his Italy Under-21 side will be underdogs in Tuesday’s European Championship Final against Spain, but his boys are targeting glory.
“I looked into the eyes of my players and no one is satisfied with just reaching the Final,” the former Palermo tactician is quoted as saying on UEFA.com.
“The players will all contribute and do their best. There is no doubt about this in my mind, you just need to look at us to see the desire.
“Spain have a great team and I don't mind if they are favourites. However, from kick-off we start at 0-0 with 11 players on each side.
“Italy have a chance to win because in the past, in different competitions, the less favoured team has won.
“Perfection does not exist in football. We have tactical and technical resources.”
The Gazzetta dello Sport has today suggested that Mangia, who is only without the injured Luca Marrone, will stick with the XI which beat Holland in the semi-final.
Mangia added: “I don't think Spain will try to control a special player like Marco Verratti, as they play more individually and, besides, there might be another player who stands out.
“We will play as a united team like we normally do.
“From last October I said we can dream and now we're going to play the most important game of our lives.
“Reaching the Final is just the result of the dream that started back then.”
Italy are looking for their sixth crown against a nation who beat them on penalties in the 1986 finale.
For the latest on Spain, visit Football Espana.