Dino Zoff gives Italy advice on how to beat England at Wembley Stadium in the UEFA EURO 2020 Final and thinks back to 1973. ‘They called us waiters, but it’s the best way to fire up an Italian.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 20.00 UK time at Wembley Stadium, which naturally will be packed with England fans, although some homegrown Italians have managed to get tickets.
England have never beaten Italy in a major tournament and the Azzurri already won at Wembley twice before, in 1973 and 1997.
“As they say in the Westerns, you win here with cold blood and a fiery heart,” goalkeeping legend Zoff told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
“It was more difficult in 1973, though, as we’d never beaten England on their own turf and they still considered themselves the owners of the sport. Wembley was like a prohibited temple.
“They called us waiters, thinking it was offensive, but they didn’t know that the best way to fire up an Italian is to get him angry. It was a special victory, albeit just a friendly, but it gave us the belief we could beat anyone.”
The situation is very different now, as there is a European Championship up for grabs at the end of 90 minutes, extra time or even penalties.
“England are playing at home, so you might consider them favourites, but we can certainly beat them. Italy are by no means inferior, quite the opposite. We have quality, experience, character and I am confident we can win.
“In some ways, it might even help having 60,000 people cheering against you. It’s not the crowd that scores goals, and don’t forget the pressure that puts on the English players is enormous. Imagine if they don’t win…
“I still remember the drizzle, the cold night, Fabio Capello’s winning goal and the uncontrollable joy of our countrymen who had emigrated to England. Playing at Wembley is a dream for any player, so this is why I tell the Azzurri to enjoy the moment and not have fear.”
Zoff was asked to identify the players who can make the difference in the Final tomorrow.
“Raheem Sterling is very good dribbling with the ball at his feet. We mustn’t give him space, otherwise it’s tough to stop him.”
Italy have only won the Euros once before, in 1968, but reached the Final in 2000 with Zoff as coach, then again in 2012.
“The great thing about the Azzurri squad is their unity as a team, they don’t have any prima donnas and whoever steps onto the field gives their best. You can sense their desire to surprise.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been a rock in the Azzurri goal, not just in EURO 2020, but also throughout the 33-match unbeaten run.
“He’s having a fantastic Euros. Gigio has immense quality, but now it feels as if he’s also reached a level of maturity that can make him one of the best of all time. I am impressed with the way he has improved in coming off his line and controlling the defence, you can see the work he’s done.”