We thought Mancini was crazy - Giorgio Chiellini

“

It is a dream that we cultivated over three years and the coach drilled it into our heads until it became a reality,

” Chiellini told RAI Sport.

“When he told us at the start to think about winning the Euros, we thought he was crazy, and yet we are right there on the verge and just one centimetre away from the trophy.”

Chiellini, however, was waiting for other teams on the way to the final.

“We thought that we’d be facing France rather than Spain in the semi-final, as they were the big favourites, they had all the quality needed and international experience. I thought France were a step above the rest, so I had assumed our path towards the Final would be Belgium, France and England.

“I immediately thought England would be a serious candidate to win the Euros. They have quality and physicality, are solid and organised. They might not be easy on the eye, but they are hard to beat.

“They reached the semi-final at the World Cup, plus it was predictable England would be in the Final of the Euros, as they played six out of seven games on home turf.”

Spain played No. 9 against Italy, but England have

Harry Kane

in the squad.

“

Kane is a player I have always liked a great deal,”

continued Juventus defender Chiellini.

“I remember one of his first internationals in Turin and he immediately made a good impression on me. We’ve been fortunate enough to play against Tottenham, so I know him well.

“England aren’t just Kane, though, as they also have exceptional players attacking down the wings. Their bench alone could win the Euros, as yesterday they had Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Phil Foden.

“It’s going to be a great game of football, neither side will be afraid and we’ll both respect each other.”

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