Claudio Ranieri said he believes ‘it’s 50-50’ between Italy and England in the EURO 2020 Final at Wembley. ‘The Azzurri play against all the stadium’.
Italy have travelled to London and prepare for the Final at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground today, ahead of the big game against the Three Lions at the English national stadium tomorrow.
Ranieri, who left Sampdoria after leading the Blucerchiati to ninth in Serie A, believes Roberto Mancini’s men will ‘try to dominate’ England at Wembley.
“I’m very happy because there are some young players and, of course, some players with experience like Georgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Jorginho. There is a very good blend,” Ranieri told BBC Sport.
“It’s very important that we come back to a high level. It’s important for all Italian people, not only for the fans.
“We now have the right mentality. Yes, we have the Italian soul – we stay together, we suffer, we fight – but Mancini wants to give to the Italian team the happiness to play forward, to attack in every situation.
“Our mentality has changed in two years. When it’s possible, we want to dominate the opponent. When it’s not possible, we try to win the match.”
“If it’s possible, we’ll try to dominate the opponent. If it’s not possible, they defend,” Ranieri continued.
“I think it’s a very, very good match. I said before the Euros started, the final could be Italy and England.”
“I think Jorginho was a key player, but it’s difficult. I think the team is key because if I think of Jorginho, I think about Lorenzo Insigne. If I think about Insigne, I think about Federico Chiesa. If I think Chiesa, I think Leanordo Bonucci, Georgio Chiellini, Gianluigi Donnarumma…”
Ranieri says it’s hard to predict the outcome on Sunday but praised Gareth Southgate and his team in the interview with BBC Sport.
“I think England will try to push a lot because there are so many fans in Wembley. But Italy will try to play one-two touches to go over their pressing,” he told the British broadcaster.
“It’s 50-50 because 90 percent of Wembley is pushing its team, but Italy is ready to fight, play football, is ready to try to win. I hope the referee is a very good referee. That is important now.
“Italian players are used to playing in every situation. For them, it will be very good to play against all the stadium.”
“Gareth Southgate has made a fantastic team. It’s like a club team, the atmosphere. They play altogether, they help each other.
“There is quality and the English spirit. In front, with Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Harry Kane, Jack Grealish – there is a lot of quality.
“I know Phil Foden is not the right Foden at the moment but he’s always Foden. Behind, there is Kalvin Philips and Declan Rice who stay there to block everybody. The defence line is very strong: Kyle Walker is very fast, and John Stones and Harry Maguire are very strong. It’s a good team. Well done, Southgate.”