Italy on track for glory
ITALY boarded their charter train out of Rome and sped north through the dead of night to the seclusion of their base near Florence.
They left the capital behind to savour a sparkling start to Euro 2020 and to i magine t he possibilities ahead f or Roberto Mancini’s team.
The 3- 0 victory against Turkey was an emphatic opening s t at ement; a confirmation for the public of the strides made under Mancini behind closed doors; reassurances for those inside the camp that the work done is having the desired effect while they attempt to control the hype.
‘We are all very pleased but this is just the first step on a long journey,’ said veteran centre-half Leonardo Bonucci.
‘We need to keep our feet on the ground and display great humility. The games are in close succession and other teams will become increasingly familiar with us but we are confident in our ability and know we can give anyone a game i n this tournament.’
The sense of determination is tangible. Italy feel as if they are heading once more in the right direction under Mancini.
Players, media and fans have great faith in him and his staff, which includes Attilio Lombardo and Gianluca Vialli, to continue the work they started when they took over in the summer of 2018.
‘ Beautiful Italy,’ wrote Claudio Ranieri in yesterday’s Gazzetta dello Sport.
‘The first game is always the most dangerous one. There is the pressure of the debut, and the desire to overdo it can sometimes lead to mistakes, but Mancini managed the emotions, the tactical plan and the most delicate moments of the match with clarity.
‘This debut of the team convinced me of its potential. They are determined, able to attack the opponent from the first second and then lead the game until the final whistle.’ There were 16,000 fans inside Rome’s Olympic Stadium and Italy’s broadcasters recorded an audience of more than 14million across two channels. A nation is stirring as it prepares to end most of its lockdown measures tomorrow. ‘It’s a different game when you’re surrounded by fans,’ said Bonucci. ‘We are delighted with our win. We will now focus on the positives, cancel out any negatives and think about our next match.’ Italy are unbeaten in 28 games, two short of an 82year-old record achieved by Vittorio Pozzo, who led them to the World Cup twice in the 1930s. The last nine have been won scoring 28 goals and without conceding. ‘It means the team is working well,’ said Bonucci. ‘We say thanks to our forwards and midfielders, helping us by doing the dirty work.’