Nicoló Barella, midfielder of the Italian national team, next rival of Spain in the semifinals of the Eurocup, assured this Sunday that the Spanish Xavi Hernandez Y Andres Iniesta “They inspired everyone” and surrendered to the continuity of Sergio Busquets, which “has been among the best in the world for years.”
“Spain had great champions who inspired us all, like Xavi and Iniesta. It's easy to say that they inspired us, but they inspired everyone who loves soccer. I have different characteristics with respect to them, “he said. Barella at a press conference organized at the technical center of Coverciano (Florence, center).
“Busquets has been among the best in the world for years, in Spain and in the Barcelona. You just have to congratulate him, but then they also have Pedri, to Koke. It will be a good game and we will try to beat them ”, added the midfielder from Inter de Milan.
In Italy, enthusiasm is at its highest for the semifinals next Tuesday in Wembley and the confrontation with Spain has sparked some ambitious comparisons between today's Italian midfield, where they shine Barella, Jorginho Y Marco Verratti, and the Barcelona trio Xavi, Iniesta Y Busquets that gave two Euro Cups and a World Cup to Spain.
“It's nice to receive the compliments, we do an important job for the team, but our strength is the group, it's what got us here. We will try to go all the way. Through the center of the field our game passes, Marco and Jorginho they give the rhythms, I attack the depth more ”, he said.
“The Spain world champion had an incredible midfield. They had great champions. We have great players here, we hope to do like them or even better ”, continued the Sardinian midfielder.
Italy reaches the semifinals after winning all five of its Eurocup and with a streak of 33 games without losing, which is an absolute record for the “azzurro” team.
“The míster (Roberto Mancini) gave us a winning mentality. We always play to win. His mentality gives us a lot. With Spain It will be a difficult game, we are two similar teams, we both want to control the ball, we will try to manage it. It will be a good game and we will enjoy ourselves in a great stadium with a fantastic atmosphere ”, he assured Barella.
The midfielder also sent a message of encouragement to full-back Leonardo Spinazzola, who broke the Achilles tendon in his left foot in the quarterfinals against Belgium, and expressed the desire to give him “a joy” with a victory against Spain.