The final : an Italian view
There has always been a respect from Italians for f English football. The word mister is often used to describe the Italian manager , the Juventus jersey of black and white stripes came from England ‘s oldest football club Notts. County and clubs Milan and Genoa have British not Italian names. After the 1990 World Cup Paul Gascoigne, Des Walker and David Platt joined serie a clubs. More recently Italian managers like Roberto Mancini, Vialli, Zola, di Matteo , Ranieri , Sarri , Conte and of course Capello as national coach all literally made their fortune in England. So the English game is well reported here.
The England side in the Euros is seen as dull but hard to beat. Normally it’s we Italians with the old catenaccio system who are accused of being boring but the present azzurri have lit up the tournament. Roberto Mancini who started his managerial career at Fiorentina has really taken to international management and his record is as impressive as his 1982 Enzo Bearzot retro light grey jacket. Personally I am delighted to see Federico Chiesa play so well. We remember him well at Fiorentina and also his father Enrico who played alongside Gabriel Batistuta.
Against Ukraine England scored with 3 free headers. Chielini who started his career on loan to Fiorentina and Bonucci will not grant such space. Harry Kane and Harry Maguire can expect a little but crucial nudge. Both defenders with a collective age if 71 are experienced in the dark arts. England whilst strong on the wings seem to lack a central creative midfield pivot. In Italy we call such a player un regista ( film director)and over the years Fiorentina produced the best in Antognoni and Roberto Baggio. Squad player Castrovili is such a player as is ex Viola Bernardeschi .
To the inevitable question I believe Italy will win 1-0 in extra time.
