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The Euros: from an Italian perspective

It’s not just in The Rust that Italy are regarded as team of the tournament.

The team, without a big name, have discovered the right mix under Robert Mancini and are unbeaten in 31 games.

Last night’s performance against Austria (2-1 after extra time) was more – as you say – “job done”.

Only in extra time did we really impress. Up till then it was more the old values of resilience and organisation.

For a Fiorentina fan it was hard to bear the reference to Federico Chiesa as a Juventino. 

He’s a young forward born and bred in Florence who now wears the black and white jersey of Juventus.

Another midfielder – Federico Bernardeschi, who had game time against Wales – had the same career  path.

I worry that Castrovili the only Viola player in the rosa (squad) will do the same.

This rosa is different from those in the past as it is comprised from many teams.

Gone are the days when Juve had 7 players in the team or the Milan defence of Maldini, Baresi, Tassotti and Costacurta played. This means there are less club cliques in the Azzurri.

One thing I would like to add to Tom Hollingworth’s Euro list.

Best tailored jacket:?

Mancio’s light grey blazer with crest.

What a cool guy!

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About Stefano Ursolini

The son of a leading Florentine art dealer, Stefano initially worked in the Uffizi Gallery. He went into journalism and soon became a popular stringer writing on Tuscan wines, art and football. Stefano lives with his partner Umberto in the Santa Croce quarter of Florence. A dedicated supporter of AC Fiorentina his elegant articles on the Viola as well as the Serie A have earned him an appreciative global audience. More Posts