Italy has an exceptional team, the two best teams in the tournament are in the final, Southgate says

On Sunday we will see the grand final of this year’s European Championship. England will take on a spirited Italy in their first final at Wembley. The England coach has already commented on the match. What did he say?

England will be facing their first ever European Championship final. Overall, it will be only the second final of a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.

It is Italy who are far more experienced in this respect, as coach Gareth Soughate is aware.

“We have a long way to go before England can be considered as footballing a country as Italy,” the England national team coach surprised.

Southgate admitted that he has closely followed the development of the Italian national team under Roberto Mancini for two years and is aware of the work the former Manchester City coach has done with the team.

Moreover, this year marks 15 years since Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany, beating France in the final. The Italians then won the Euros only in 1968, but were in the finals in 2000 and 2012.

“Italy has its own unique way of playing. It has a great spirit, great energy. Like all Italian teams, tactically the selection is very good, but compared to previous selections, the Italians play in a very modern way,” Southgate is clear.

“Italy simply have an exceptional team. Without a doubt the two best teams of the whole tournament have reached the final,” added the England coach.

Southgate must be wary, however. England have never beaten Italy in a major tournament and have fallen on all four previous occasions.

Will that be the case now?

Source: Sky Sport Italia