Chiesa: Fans are right to dream

Federico Chiesa has told Italy supporters they should dare to dream of Euro 2020 glory – because Roberto Mancini has got the Azzurri thinking the same way.

On Sunday, Italy will attempt to make it 30 games without defeat when they tackle Wales in Rome. Doing so would mean Italy equal their all-time longest unbeaten run, previously achieved between November 1935 and July 1939.

Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but have been revitalised under head coach Mancini, and 3-0 wins over Turkey and Switzerland mean their place in the last-16 of this European Championship is already assured. "The fans are right to dream and we are right with them," Chiesa said in a news conference. "We are here to try to go all the way and to fulfil this great dream."

Winger Chiesa, the son of former Italy striker Enrico Chiesa, has made two substitute appearances so far, playing 30 minutes. With Mancini expected to rest some key players, Chiesa could get his chance from the start against Wales.

"The coach asks us to be ready. When he calls me I will be ready, we are all starters and we must be ready to play," Chiesa said. "I know inside of me how to live through this moment, there is a fantastic energy, electricity, the atmosphere is great and it's thanks to the coach."

 

June 18, 2021

Italy are looking to win all three of their group stage matches for the fourth time at a major finals, previously doing so at the 1978 and 1990 World Cups, and at Euro 2000. Their confidence stems not only from the ongoing 29-game unbeaten streak, but the way they have stepped up their level lately. They have won their last 10 games, keeping a clean sheet every time.