Football Italia
·11 July 2024
Football Italia
·11 July 2024
Giorgio Chiellini says Italy were more confident than England three years ago, but he likes how Gareth Southgate has ‘adapted’ during EURO 2024.
Italy won the Euros three years ago today in a Final against England at Wembley Stadium, so Chiellini was asked to explain the difference between that Azzurri team and England in Euro 2024.
The Three Lions reached the Final on Wednesday after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in Dortmund.
“Three years ago, we won more games and played better football. We easily won the group,” said Chiellini.
“England didn’t start well [at EURO 2024]. Two draws, one win. The game against Slovakia was terrible for 75 minutes. They started playing from that [Bellingham’s] bicycle kick goal even if they suffered against Switzerland as well. The game against the Netherlands was their best performance.
“I liked Southgate in the last two games. He changed and understood that Foden could not play there,” continued the ex-defender.
“He has sacrificed Bellingham a little, but Foden and Saka are doing great things and all the others feel at ease. I like how he adapted during the tournament.”
Chiellini also discussed Ollie Watkins’s late winner and explained how Inter’s Stefan de Vrij could have avoided it.