MARGAO
Former State and Dempo Sports Club coach Mauricio Afonso has said that Italy will be the overwhelming favourites to win the Euro 2020 at Wembley on Sunday.
“I am going to go for the experience, and I am going to go with Italy. The Azzurri brigade crossed paths with the star-studded sides at the Euros; against Belgium, they proved their critics wrong. Roberto Mancini's side had a complete performance throughout the tournament, an old-style defensive solidity combined with fluent attacking actions and the ability to understand every moment of the game, helping each other out all the time. Italy have been the most consistent team,” Afonso said.
“If we go by form, both teams have reached their peak. Italy have surprised everyone with the change in their approach of playing attacking football and sticking to their defensive organization. My opinion is that both teams are well balanced but Italy have an edge over England,” the former player added.
“Personally, I want England to win because English Premier League is the best league in the world,” said Derrick Pereira, Technical Director of FC Goa.
“This Euro was most suited for England right from the beginning as they played most of their matches at home. The pressure on referees to side the home team is always recorded in history. For England playing the final at Wembley, I can say the trophy is home already,” Gasper Crasto, former Salgaocar player, said.
Out of the 15 editions of the European championships, 10 national teams have won the title. Germany and Spain lead the count with three titles each. France is second with two titles. The Soviet Union, Netherland, Italy, Yugoslavia, Demark, Greece and Portugal have one title each.
“England are always a threat and won’t be far away, while Italy have got some amazing players and will have a chance if they can get it together - but, if I had to pick one, I would go with England as they are hungry as they have never won the trophy. After 55 years, they've got a chance to annex the trophy in front of home crowds. They have a tremendous depth to their squad and they are technically brilliant as always,” former India captain Bruno Coutinho said.
Bibiano Fernandes, coach of the Under-16 national team, said, “England can beat Italy in the final. England have got everything but most importantly balance and a hard mentality under Gareth Southgate. However, Italy remain intimidating and even greater than the sum of their parts.”
Climax Lawrence, assistant coach of Velsao Sports Club and former India midfielder, said that Italy have a bench strength of 11 players who can easily make another national team.
“So you cannot refuse the fact that they are playing consistently well and it’s a team which has peaked. It's the right time because they’re all young. Apart from two or three, the core of the team is very young,” Lawrence said.
Alfred Fernandes, former State and Churchill Brothers FC coach said, “I fancy England. They look pretty and tasty and have some promising stars who can turn the tables in their favour. However, overconfidence on defence while going for attacks may prove costly as Italy can punish them on the counter.”
Micky Fernandes, coach of Vasco Sports Club, said, “I am swaying on this pick as England, in particular, do look strong to win the title as they have been a youth side playing consistently throughout the tournament. With a lot of promise and hard work shown by players like Grealish, Sterling and Maguire, it's a balanced side. They should go all the way to pocket the title.”
Anthony Levino Pereira, coach of Salgaocar FC said, “Italy is a team filled with superstars and are favourite to win Euro 2020. The team has a good blend of experience and youth. This Italian team wouldn’t let themselves get affected by the outside noise.”
