Tony Cascarino told talkSPORT on Sunday morning that Italy have taken a leaf out of Leeds United’s book at Euro 2020.
The former striker suggested that Italy have been ‘a big surprise’ at this tournament, as he likened their one-mode of playing and off-the-ball work to that of Leeds.
During the recently concluded Premier League campaign, Marcelo Bielsa was lauded for the all-action, aggressive-natured and 100 miles per hour football his Leeds side deployed.
And with Cascarino labelling the Italian’s as ‘sensational’ during this tournament so far, he shared what similarities he thinks they share with those from Yorkshire.
“I know what I think of Italy, they have been a big surprise to me,” said Cascarino. “Italy have a way of playing with Mancini. It’s very much liked on how Leeds work. How the work rate of Italy has been sensational.
“Even when they were 1-0 up, they continued to play in the same vein, which Italy have never done in the past.
“They have changed game plans to stop you. They were defensive-minded. They were always one of the best nations in the world at football at stopping the opposition.
“This Italy team, for me, don’t really play like that because there is so much ambition to go forward.”
Italy, who have already qualified for the knockout stages, are currently sitting top of Group A and will be looking to maintain that spot today.
Former Manchester City boss, Roberto Mancini, takes on some familiar faces when Wales look to spoil their party in Rome.
It’s two wins from two, plus back-to-back clean sheets, for the men in blue, who are looking like threatening underdogs as this tournament progresses.
And whilst Italy have shown their old sharp defensive ways, they have also mixed it up with some flair, precision and aggressive pressing which has suffocated their opponents.
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