The Milan legend assesses Italy’s chances at Euro 2020, discusses Fikayo Tomori and remembers Diego Maradona
By Emmet Gates for The Gentleman Ultra
These are heady days for
Italy. After the nadir of the Gian Piero Ventura era, in which they failed to qualify for a
World Cup for the first time since 1958, the outlook seemed bleak. Then Roberto Mancini arrived and rejuvenated his country’s flagging fortunes. Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear sharp suits.
Mancini’s team has won everyone over at Euro 2020. They were unleashed on the opening night of the tournament in Rome and overwhelmed a highly fancied
Turkey team. The same treatment was given to Switzerland and Wales. Franco Baresi has been impressed. Speaking from Casa Milan, the club’s headquarters in the Portello district of the city, the legendary defender says he likes what he sees. “They are playing well and have been one of the protagonists of the tournament, which is proving tough for all teams,” says Baresi. “They’ve been playing with personality and showcasing attacking
Football with quality and technique.”