RUSH: AZZURRI UNSTOPPABLE

IAN RUSH has been enjoying the dolce vita spending much of Euro 2020 in Italy as a guest of UEFA.

Hopping on and off a luxurious yacht around the country – which was his home for a season with Juventus – the Liverpool and Wales legend has witnessed once again the passion Roberto Mancini’s side have generated.

“The biggest reason Italy are in the final is because of Mancini. He has learnt from his experience at Manchester City and has brought everyone together forging a club-like environment,” said Rush (above).

“They were also brimming with confidence, having started Euro 2020 on the back of an unbeaten run which has now been extended to 33 matches. And during that sequence they have barely conceded any goals.”

That’s mainly because of their gruesome twosome, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, who at the ages of 36 and 34 respectively are well versed in the dark arts of the game.

Rush added: “Chiellini and Bonucci have been fantastic. But that has always been the Italian way, defenders will stop at nothing to prevent you from scoring. It’s as simple as that. I don’t think it will ever change, it’s in their DNA. I know how painful it can be for a forward.

“I love watching them celebrate if they have stopped an attack in its tracks. It’s as if they have scored a goal and it helps create that team spirit.”

Although Italy still is his tip to lift the trophy, Rush says that Gareth Southgate also deserves great credit having gone down the same road as Mancini in creating a healthy team ethic.

“Both Southgate and Mancini would rather have an honest team player than a maverick,” added Rush.

“The reason I tipped Italy to win was because they have a good mixture of youth and experience. I said Italy from the start, so I can’t change now.”