According to captain Giorgio Chiellini, Italy's national football team no longer believed in itself at the beginning of coach Roberto Mancini's tenure.
"Paradoxically, we also thought he was crazy at the beginning when he told us that we should get our heads up to win the European Championship," said the 36-year-old on “uefa.com” about the first time under Mancini who had taken over the team after the missed World Cup 2018 at an absolute low.
"But in that time he actually formed a team that made it to the finals."
Chiellini is looking forward to the European Championship final against England on Sunday (9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the European Football Championship as well as on ZDF and Magenta TV) at Wembley Stadium. “Now is what we have been dreaming of for three years. What the coach gave us little by little until it became a reality, ”said the Juventus professional. "We play for all of Italy and hope that we can experience another fantastic evening together." The team have done "extraordinary".
The central defender is particularly looking forward to the duel with England's captain Harry Kane.
"It will be very difficult against Kane," said Chiellini.
"He's a complete player, he can let himself go and use his teammates, he hits with the head, he hits from a distance, he hits up close," he said.
Nevertheless, his team approach the game without fear, but with respect.
"They have quality, but we also have quality in all parts of the team."
For the 36-year-old, the title would be the culmination of his career in the national team, which began in 2004.
“Winning is just as nice at 37 as it is at 21,” he said.
"Maybe you enjoy it more at 37 because you know how difficult it is and what's behind it."
Police are investigating laser pointers in the semifinals
In addition to UEFA, the British police are now investigating the case of a laser pointer used in the semi-finals of the European Championship at London's Wembley Stadium.
The British Secretary of State Susan Williams said on Thursday in Parliament in London.
The incident in which Denmark's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was shone in the face with a green laser pointer during a penalty kick in the game against England, she described as "hideous".
The European Football Union had previously initiated disciplinary proceedings against the English association FA.
In addition to the use of the laser pointer by spectators, it was also investigating interference by fans while the Danish national anthem was being played and fireworks were being set off, UEFA announced on Thursday.