How should Italy play this Sunday?
The teams that deserved it the most in this European Championship reached the final, you just need to see the numbers. They have a good game, great names of their own, and Southgate's work gave them enormous efficiency. England does not touch the ball like Spain, but they conceded only half a goal in the entire Euro and if they have space they can do you a lot of damage.
Did you see Mancini in Braveheart version in the Scottish newspaper?
I was amused, dozens of images are coming out … It will take so much warm heart, without which it is impossible to survive at Wembley, as a cool head. It is unthinkable to control the game during the 90 minutes: it is a final, and to win it you will have to take care of every detail.
It is a unique match for his career …
– They are matches that never arrive in a player's career, it is a privilege. Before these dates, you have to try to take pressure off, the emotions are enormous and this is true for both groups. You have to enjoy this date with tranquility and some madness.
From Kane to Lukaku: what changes?
I remember when I ran into the Englishman in a friendly the first time, his ability to have strength and technique is incredible. I am one of his biggest fans, you can ask Paratici how many times I told him. Now they will work together …
What message do you send to those who think that reaching the final is enough?
We never think that, not even before the previous appointments. We are enjoying this adventure, we breathe a special air since we started. I decided to stay in the national team because I felt that something great could be done and I knew that postponing the Euro would have helped us. There is something magical and special in this group, the last inch is missing.
Was what you did with Jordi Alba a psychological game or is it your natural current way?
Well, I have played many games in my career and in recent years I always enjoy each meeting with a smile. Rio, I joke with the rivals, I enjoy every moment… It was just that, I am like that, there was no tactic. Many teammates love me, some opponents do not, but there is always respect.
Will you continue to think game by game after this European Championship?
It is like that, I have to think every day and live every moment, in this phase of my career I cannot have long-term projects.
Did they think they got here?
We were thinking of having a great Eurocup, then there are unpredictable details to reach a final. After the friendly with the Czech Republic we felt that we were ready and having played the first matches in Rome was one more push. I always thought that England would reach the final because they were the best team on the other side of the table, and if I said so there was no attempt at controversy. There are teams that traveled a lot more, like the Swiss, and obviously they would have preferred to play more at home, but we also had this advantage at the beginning.
How will the speed and youth of Kane and Sterling stop?
Kane and Sterling are not so young anymore, they also have their international experience. Each one has its characteristics, if I start running in the open field with Sterling I will never get there before him, but in a divided ball I can win myself … England have extraordinary players, their bench could have reached the final quietly, but luckily it is a team game and not proper names.