ROME. «The first goal was wonderful, on an assist from Berardi, I dedicate it to my family and my girlfriend. The second is for all Italians, we hope to give other emotions. I don’t usually accompany the action like that but I got a little bit of madness and I closed the action. The future? I don’t want to take too many mental journeys. Now I want to stay with my feet on the ground and enjoy the European Championship ».
Manuel Locatelli is the ‘man of the match’ of Italy-Switzerland, and after the standing ovation of the Olimpico he also receives the award for the man of the match. He and Domenico Berardi, the ‘made in Sassuolo’ duo, created a beautiful action, also praised by Roberto Mancini on the occasion of the first goal. «I am happy and proud – adds Locatelli – and I am part of a fantastic group. The pandemic helped me a little then with work and determination I got this far ».
Praise to Locatelli also from Berardi, who with the companion means’ at the fly. «Manuel and I know each other very well, he was good at giving me the ball and continuing the action. I’m very happy for him – the blue’s words -: he played a great game and this group is fantastic. We have brought home three key points. Every game we try to give 100%, now an important game arrives (with Wales, ed) and we will try to do well and win ».
Mancini tries to keep his feet on the ground («the road is still very long») and underlines that «the games are all difficult, because they must be played and won. I am fortunate to have good players who like to play football, have fun and take risks. I try to explain my thoughts, then they are good and all together we are a good group ». Now, given that a draw is enough to finish first in the group, will he make a bit of a turn over on Sunday against Wales? “Let’s see the conditions of the players, this match was tough – he replies – and in the end the players were very tired and some had physical problems”.
Has Italy reached the level of France, or rather the best? “In this European championship – explains Mancini – there are France, Portugal and Belgium, that is the world champions, those of Europe and the number one in the Fifa ranking. They are teams that have grown over time much earlier than us and it is normal that they are further ahead. but in football anything can happen, and it’s not all so obvious ». (HANDLE).
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