Marco Verratti admits he ‘wasn’t even sure if I could participate’ in Euro 2020, so relished his debut in a 1-0 victory over Wales.

Matteo Pessina got the only goal of the game at the Stadio Olimpico, meeting a Verratti free kick in the first half.

“It was tough, as at the start I wasn’t even sure if I could participate in the Euros. I thank the medical staff and the coach who waited for me. It was a special day and I’m very happy,” the PSG midfielder told RAI Sport.

He had been in doubt to be part of the group after picking up a knee injury last month and was not even on the bench for the first two wins over Turkey and Switzerland.

Indeed, Atalanta midfielder Pessina was only added after Stefano Sensi pulled out.

“When we say it’s a Nazionale for everyone, we’re not just saying that. Everyone belongs here, we are 26 and all of us proud to represent our country. We are so fortunate and honoured to play for this team and, unlike at club level, it’s a pure pleasure just to be here, whether we play or not,” continued Verratti.

“We have to take it one game at a time and see where we end up. There are no easy matches, despite what some might think, but if we keep giving our heart and soul like this with our quality too, then we can have our say. If we step back on any of those elements, we’ll struggle.

“It has been such a difficult year without any fans, so it was wonderful to be here with our supporters in Rome.”

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