Bales jokes about Roberto Mancini's comments likening Wales to Stoke

While the media expects Italy as the favorites to 

, 

Mancini

 doesn’t want to underrate the Welshmen, 

: "Stoke had a very tough style of play, they were a very tough nut to crack.

"It will be a very difficult match from a physical perspective because they are a powerful side like Stoke, but they are also very technical... Wales have players like (Joe) Allen, (Gareth) Bale and (Daniel) James. They have got some quality and skillful players."

Stoke's

 brand of physical, direct football is still used as a benchmark for teams that are 

'hard to beat

', despite their recent relegation from Premier League and their further struggles.

However, the Spurs superstar, 

Gareth Bale

, believes that's where the similarities end. Asked about Mancini's comments, Bale told 

: "I never knew Stoke were that good!”

Bale’s boss at Wales, 

Rob Page

, had a diplomatic response as well.

"I've not seen those comments," 

. "We're not bothered what anyone else says. We're fully focused on what we can do and how we can hurt teams.

"As I've said, I couldn't be more proud of that 26 and I'll back them every day of the week."

Missing a penalty in Wales’ 2-0 victory over Turkey, Bales added: "I'm happy to take penalties and I'm sure it's a decision the manager has to make.

"If I'm asked to step up again, I have no problem taking another pen."

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