Leonardo Spinazzola ‘can’t wait to start playing’ Euro 2020 against Turkey on Friday. ‘We’ve been waiting a year for this tournament.’
The competition had originally been scheduled for last summer, but was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.
“The emotions are starting to run high and we can’t wait to start playing,” Spinazzola told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ve been waiting a year for this tournament. It’s my first major competition with the Azzurri, so I am feeling particularly excited.”
The Stadio Olimpico will have 25 per cent capacity, so 16,000 people in the stands for the first time since March 2020.
“Going from zero to 16,000 is going to be huge, especially after a year-and-a-half of empty arenas. We’re so happy to have the fans back with us.”
Italy go into the competition unbeaten since September 2018 and off the back of 10 consecutive victories.
“Our philosophy is to press constantly, even if the timing might not seem right. Recovering the ball quickly with your forwards is important, because the less the ball reaches your penalty area, the higher you can defend.”