The Italian national team is quietly emerging as one of the favorites to win Euro 2020.
Italy capped off Euro 2020 group stage play with three clean sheet wins, as the Azzurri became the only team in this year’s tournament to achieve this feat.
Many have credited Italy’s midfield unit as the key factor behind why the side has found early success in Euro 2020.
For Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, he is much in awe of Italy’s midfield depth in this tournament, especially as Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli stepped up in his absence during the team’s opening two group stage matches.
In speaking to UEFA’s official website, Verratti spoke further about just how important it is for a team to have potent midfield depth.
“Of course, I think this is a very important part of the team, having all these possibilities is definitely an advantage for everyone, for the coach, for the team, for the teammates,” Verratti said.
“We are a team that enjoys playing, a mix of young and older players. We are a good team, we are proving it on the field and we can have our say.”
Italy has found prominent success under manager Roberto Mancini, as the side has gone 30 straight matches without a defeat.
Verratti sees that the team has continued to grow under Mancini over the tournament.
“Even in the three games I played out, I enjoyed watching the team and if I enjoyed myself it means that the Italians enjoyed themselves,” Verratti said. “We are happy to play this game because in the middle of the field we find ourselves well.
“We have been able to do this thanks to the coach and the players he has called because we all see football in the same way and this simplifies things, making it a process that has taken much less time than it would take.”
Italy will be looking to clinch a spot in the Euro 2020 quarterfinals with a win over Austria.
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