Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon has tipped Roberto Mancini’s side to beat England in a tightly-contested clash at Wembley on Sunday evening to win Euro 2020.
England are looking to claim their first major international trophy since the 1966 World Cup triumph, but they face a team who are unbeaten in 33 games.
The Three Lions got past Germany, Ukraine and Denmark in the knockout rounds to get to the showpiece, while Italy saw off Austria, Belgium and Spain.
Gareth Southgate’s side have conceded just once this whole tournament, however, Italian World Cup winner Buffon is backing the Azzurri to emerge victorious.
He told the Mail on Sunday: ‘This is a very difficult game for Italy, and England have lot of great players. But I’m not worried because I think the pressure is mostly on the home team.
‘They have more to lose than we do because they play at home and have the crowd with them.
‘It’s very important to score the first goal in this match and a lot could depend on what happens in the opening minutes.
‘I think Italy will win but it won’t be easy against the English defence and you don’t know how players react on the day. In a final and at this level there are always nerves.
‘The team that is calmer will win the trophy, I really believe that, and we have to make sure it is us.
‘We have waited a long time for this trophy. I lost a final of the Euros in 2012, and I know that.
‘So, I hope that now the streak is broken and on Sunday night we Italians are very happy.’
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