Raheem Sterling went down under minimal contact in extra time of the semi-final against Denmark, but England were awarded a spot-kick regardless.
Veratti thinks England did a great job
Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has expressed his belief that England were the recipients of a “generous” penalty decision to help them reach Sunday’s Euro 2020 final. Raheem Sterling went down under minimal contact in extra time of the semi-final against Denmark, but England were awarded a spot-kick regardless. Kasper Schmeichel saved Harry Kane’s penalty, but the England captain buried the rebound to clinch a 2-1 win and book a final date with the Italians. “Perhaps it was a bit of a generous penalty, but it is part of the picture in football. I think it was a bit of a generous penalty,” Verratti said at a press conference. “I think England did a great job. They got to the final for the first time, and this says a lot.
Italy will face a tough team
“They conceded only one goal, so it is an excellent team, great players, very balanced, and I think they did deserve to get to the final. Now it’s all down to the final, which I think will be an epic final and history-making either way. “England is a very physical team, and they have players who are very skilled as well. We will face an adamant team, and they will be playing at home; they know the stadium well. But it is a dream for us to win this European Championship.” Verratti praises Italy boss Roberto Mancini, who has led the Azzurri on a 33-game unbeaten run leading up to Sunday’s final at Wembley.
“He’s done a great job with us; everyone can see it,” the PSG star said. “He’s an exceptional manager for us, and he boosted our confidence when we lost it because of the negative results of the past. I think he was the perfect man for the job. He restarted our enthusiasm; with his style, we had fun. We haven’t lost in 33 matches – these are important statistics, and it tells you he is doing a great job. Sometimes one might say managers are not so important, but for us, he truly is an added value.”