Marco Verratti: ‘we are very lucky to have Bonucci and Chiellini’

are going to face

in the

final at Wembley on Sunday and

Marco Verratti

believes Juventus center-half

Giorgio Chiellini

, 36, and 34-year-old

Leonardo Bonucci

will be able to shut out the in-form duo

Harry Kane

and

Raheem Sterling

’s attacks, according to

.

Verratti said:

“We will face a very tough team who will be at home and know the stadium well. It's a dream to win this European Championship and the supporters will be important.

“But we are all professionals and know how it is to play in fan-packed stadiums. It will drive us as well.

“Giorgio and Leonardo are two players who really help us out a lot. They have a great experience, they get stronger with age and we are very lucky to have them on our side.

“They make us feel safe, they give you that extra confidence which is very important for us mentally.

“We know they are back there, two excellent defenders who are probably most representative of this side. So, again, we are happy and lucky to have them on our side.”

Italy have not lost their last 33 games under Roberto Mancini. They have only won the Euros once which was in 1968 and have lost the final twice in 2000 and 2012 and Verratti believes this could be their chance to win the tournament again.

"These games are in a way easy to prepare for,” he said. "Everyone will give it their best shot. You know moments like this one might not come up again. I hope that's not the case. I don't think we need to charge up for it. We are 100 percent. You must grab it and win. We want to win.

“We most focus on our playing staff and put aside everything else. These games can put you under a lot of pressure and I think the team that will play more lightheartedly with a free mind will gain the upper hand.

"Sometimes when you play football you just focus on that and you don't properly realize what's going on. That's the thing about football, it all happens quickly. You can focus on one single match and celebrate, but you must not exaggerate, because there is another one.

“We are focused on the final now. We don't want to be overwhelmed. We've seen people celebrating in the streets, but every game you give it all you can. That's truly all that matters."

Verratti believes Sterling is their biggest threat as his performance in the tournament has been impressive.

"He's fantastic, he proves this every year and is doing this with England,” said Verratti. “I think he's a great player.”

Verratti also admitted that England hold special memories for him personally and believes Italy are ready to rise to the occasion.

He added:

“I do have memories. My debut was against England back in 2012. We also played England in another tournament, so I think Italy v England is always a great match. Two great teams and nations. Both deserve to be in the final.

“They had a sensational tournament. We both performed well but there can only be one winner and I hope it's us. We cannot wait to start in this magnificent stadium.”

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