Nicolò Zaniolo said he’s ‘not at all’ surprised by Italy’s path at the Euros, called Romelu Lukaku a ‘phenomenon’ and looks forward to working with Jose Mourinho at Roma. ‘It’s an honour’.
The Italy international suffered two different ACL injuries last year and the 21-year-old returned to training this spring, aiming for a return at EURO 2020.
But the Giallorossi attacker, capped seven times by the Azzurri, didn’t make it in time and has followed the European Championship from the sofa.
Roma’s youngster was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport and spoke about the Azzurri’s performances at the Euros and their next opponent Belgium.
“I’m not at all [surprised],” Zaniolo said. “I know how much my teammates are worth and how much strength they have managed to create by making a group.
“All of them are starters, not just the 11. And look, it’s not a cliché, given what they have shown in the last 16 against Austria. Whoever enters, decides the game. We all win together.”
Italy’s biggest test awaits at the Allianz Arena tomorrow, when the Red Devils and the Azzurri clash in Munich, but Zaniolo doesn’t think they will fail against the Belgians.
“I think not. Mind you, they are strong,” he said. “They have Lukaku, who is a phenomenon and who knows if they will recover [Kevin] de Bruyne and Edin Hazard.
“In short, if they are first in the FIFA ranking, there will be a more than valid reason. Having said that, we have players who can put them in difficulty and, at the same time nullify their strengths.”
Zaniolo was asked if the Azzurri are good enough to win the Euros this summer.
“I’m not saying anything, because you saw what happened to world champions France, but at this point, in your opinion, which national team wouldn’t be afraid of Italy? I don’t think any.”
Roma have appointed Mourinho as their next head coach and Zaniolo explained the players at Trigoria are looking forward to impress the Portuguese coach.
“We can’t wait to show Mourinho our worth,” he continued. “He’s a great coach and has won a lot.
“For me it’s an honour to be coached by him, so I can’t wait to get started.”