Verratti praises England, predicts Euro 2020 final at Wembley will be ‘ an epic’
1,000 Italians expected in stadium for final
ITALY midfielder, Marco Verratti, says Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against England at Wembley will be “an epic,” reports skysports..
Verratti felt England deserved to beat Denmark in Wednesday’s semi- final, even though the spot- kick won by Raheem Sterling was “a bit of a generous penalty”.
England were awarded the penalty in extra- time of Wednesday’s clash at Wembley after Joakim Maehle was adjudged to have fouled Sterling.
Asked about the penalty incident at a press conference yesterday, Verratti said: “Perhaps it was a bit of a generous penalty, but it is part of the picture in football. I think it was a bit of a generous penalty.
“I think England did a great job. They got to the final for the first time and this says a lot.
“They conceded only one goal, so, it is a very solid team, great players, very balanced, and I think they did deserve to get to the final. Now it’s all down to the final, which I think will be an epic final, and history- making either way.
“England is a very physical team, and they have players who are very skilled as well. We will face a very, very tough team, they will be playing at home, they know the stadium well. But it is a dream for us to win this European Championship.”
Italy are managed by former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, who took charge of the Azzurri in 2018 and has gone on to oversee a 33- game unbeaten run.
“He restarted our enthusiasm, with his style we actually had fun. We haven’t lost in 33 matches - these are important statistics, and it tells you he is doing a great job. Sometimes one might say managers are not so important, but for us he truly is an added value.”
Meanwhile, the Italian Football Federation ( FIGC) says up to 1000 Italy fans will be allowed to travel to London for Sunday’s Euro 2020 final under strict conditions, including a five- day quarantine on their return.
European football’s governing body UEFA has agreed with British authorities to allow a maximum of 1000 supporters to fly from Italy and attend the game at Wembley Stadium.
Under current UK rules, travellers from Italy must isolate for 10 days on arrival in England, so the fans attending the showpiece game against England or Denmark must agree to strict conditions.