‘Bit of a revenge game’

“Our team is really strong this time, and we have shown that during the Euros. The last time we played Spain was obviously not so good for us, so the players might have a bit of a revenge match mentality this time.”

The Italy vs Spain game also has a more personal touch for Mancini: his wife is Spanish, which has left his children confused over which team to support.

“She will obviously be supporting Spain, but out of politeness, our children say that don’t know which team to support, or rather say they won’t be supporting any team, but of course, football fever does take over our house, so it is very exciting for all of us.”

For Spain supporter Nasser Akkad Rodriguez, however, there is no doubt that his country, which won back-to-back Euros in 2008 and 2012 – with the 2010 World Cup sandwiched in between – will take to the final at Wembley in London on Sunday the 11th.

“The Spanish team will for sure win the semifinal – our country is strongly behind our team,” he said, before singling out two players for praise. “Morata will absolutely score more than one goal against our rivals Italy, who are strong, and must be respected. “Let us not forget that we have an amazing goalkeeper in Unai Simon, who will stand like a wall in front of the Italian side.”

“Ole! Viva Espana!” he exclaimed, reverting to his native language. The winners of this semi-final will face off against either Denmark or England, who will play each other at 11pm on Wednesday.