The former Azzurri manager believes that the Nazionale is up there with Spain and Germany to take the European crown; insisted that the result of friendlies count for nothing.
Italy legend, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dino-c11319 Zoff, has expressed his belief that Italy stand at par with the likes of Germany and Spain as the favourites to take the European crown.
The former Azzurri manager led the team to the final of Euro 2000, before losing the trophy to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 in the extra time on a Golden Goal.
Zoff undermined the notion that the Nazionale are nothing more than outsiders, and stated that they can rightly be included in the top four teams of the league.
The retired Italian goalkeeper insisted that the Azzurri is right up there with Spain and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904 as the favourites to win the European tournament.
While talking to Radio Mana Mana, the 70-year-old said:
“http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 are much more than outsiders, as I’d put them among the top four favourites. Everyone seems to think Spain or Germany are the favourites, but I say we’re in there too.”
Cesare Prandelli has lost the last three friendlies leading up to the start of the Euros, and is now looking to alter his formation to Juventus’ 3-5-2 system.
Zoff pointed out that there is a big difference in the attitudes of players in a friendly and in a major tournament, and stated that the result of the friendlies do not indicate the true strength of a team.
The former Italy goalkeeper went on to voice his support for the Azzurri manager, and mentioned that he will not be surprised if he opts for a change of tactics in the upcoming match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011.
The veteran tactician mentioned that the Italy squad are a little less experienced than their 2006 team, and added that there is also room for improvement in the fitness of the players.
“I am not surprised by the change in tactics, as a good Coach must be versatile and know how to adapt for the occasion based on the players he has. Compared to 2006 the squad is much less mature, as there are players like Mario
Balotelli, Emanuele Giaccherini and others who are on their first really big European stage.”
The Italian legend stated that the Azzurri have a balanced team, and can easily qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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