Even in the relaxing hours by the pool and on the massage bench, Italy was already looking forward to tomorrow’s European Championship semi-final against Spain. The “Squadra” started the countdown full of self-confidence, and the Austrian conqueror even tackled the test against the year-long feared opponent with plenty of fun and confidence.
After the mostly strong performances so far, the Azzurri are the favorites in the duel with the Spaniards, who had much more trouble at this tournament. “We are the new Spain. Italy’s spectacle, the show begins in midfield,” wrote the “Gazzetta dello Sport” with a view to the offensive football practiced over long distances, which for years was more associated with Spain’s tiki-taka artists.
Proud team manager Mancini
“I am very proud to be able to train this team,” said coach Roberto Mancini, who took over the selection after the missed World Cup in 2018 and made it a candidate for the title again. The “Corriere dello Sport” enthused: “Mister Italia: Mancini has made a whole country fall in love with him.” The team has been unbeaten in 32 games and recently celebrated 13 wins in a row. Is the series going on?
“The further you go, the harder it gets,” said Mancini. After the training sessions in Florence, the team is flying to London today. “We have to give 110 percent,” said defender Leonardo Bonucci. “We haven’t achieved anything yet and we still have to do more,” added Lorenzo Insigne. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma promised: “We deserved it, now we’re playing the semi-finals. We’ll keep going and hope to make our dream come true.”
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
