"Perception of Italy has changed" - Mancini

A day after, Belgium face France at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin, then the Final is in Milan on October 10.

“

It’ll be a wonderful final four, with four of the best teams in Europe, so I expect it to certainly be entertaining

,” said

.

“

It didn’t matter which team we drew for the semi-final, it was always going to be equally tough. Spain are like us, in that they have changed quite a few players, keeping some more experienced figures like Sergio Ramos."

“

I believe it’s going to be a very entertaining match. Ramos is one of the best defenders in the world and has been for many years. He’s got technique, is charismatic and certainly the most important player for both Real Madrid and Spain.

”

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The perception of Italy is different now,” added Mancini. “After 70-80 years in which we went abroad to play defend and counter, people can see we have changed.

"

“

It was difficult at the start, as Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup for the first time in decades and there was a sense of sadness around the team. We needed to do something different.

"

“

We have been able to put together a team of talented young players with prospects for the future, as well as more experienced figures, and it’s a good group

."

“

Now we’ll have the World Cup qualifiers, the Euros, and the Nations League. We want to do well, because it’s been some time since we were in the top teams. Since my first game, the only defeats we suffered were against World Champions France and Euro winners Portugal.

”

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