‘No one believed we could do it’: Mancini delights in Italy’s Euro 2020 final place

06-Jul-2021 23:42:55 | The Guardian

Italy head coach admits side ‘had to suffer’ against Spain
Spain’s Luis Enrique has ‘no complaints’ over shootout loss

Roberto Mancini believes Italy have proved their doubters wrong by reaching the final of Euro 2020. “Almost no one believed we could do it, and yet we are into the final,” Mancini said after the semi-final win over Spain.

“There are games where you have to suffer,” the Italy head coach added. “They can’t all be as smooth as our progress so far. We knew it would be a tough game. That is why the players and everyone who worked with us over last three years deserve great credit, because it wasn’t easy.”

Italy prevailed in a penalty shootout at Wembley to book their first final appearance since Euro 2012. The Azzurri were beaten by Spain then, and by France at Euro 2000. Their first and only European Championship title came in 1968. “We are delighted to have provided this wonderful evening’s entertainment to the Italian people. We still have one game to go,” Mancini said.