“We won’t be making calculations, we’ll be playing to win”. Roberto Mancini once again stuck to his word, leading his team to a victory that secured first place in Group A. This Azzurri side have now gone 30 games unbeaten, thus equalling the all-time record previously set by Vittorio Pozzo’s team. “I’m still behind him,” said the Head Coach. “Pozzo won many big trophies, it’s better to forget about comparisons at this current time”.

However, Mancini has a reason to smile. After making eight changes to the side that started against Switzerland, the new faces responded positively. From Pessina and Chiesa to Bernardeschi and Toloi, it’s clear that Italy have players who can step up and make their mark when they come in: “We couldn’t have done better, even if we could have scored more” the Head Coach continued. “The lads did really well. Even when we make changes, nothing should change: the players know what they have to do. Today, we showed that everyone is a starter. There would have been a lot of new faces on the pitch even if the match had been a decisive one: we needed to give everyone playing time and bring in fresh energy. It’s unfortunate when players miss out, but being able to count on everyone is important”.

Matteo Pessina’s third Azzurri goal (after the brace he scored against San Marino) ensured that Italy finished as the winners of Group A. “My story is a beautiful fairy tale,” said the Atalanta midfielder. “It shows that those who begin in Serie C can play for the National Team by making many sacrifices, which have paid off when you experience joy like this. The strength of this team lies in the group, everyone feels equally important. The Coach trusts us and we’re able to play with a calm frame of mind”. Verratti provided the assist for the goal, but his club teammate Toloi also played a role: “He had to attack the front post, he told me to go in his place and it went well”.

Rewarded as 'Man of the match', Federico Chiesa made the most of the chance that Mancini gave him: “It’s a source of pride for me to wear the blue jersey, when the coach puts me on the pitch I always try to be ready. Everyone is involved in the play. How far can Italy go? I don't want to say anything, but we can dare to dream”.

Marco Verratti's return to the pitch was another positive, one month after the injury that threatened to affect his participation in the European Championship: “I’m very happy. It was hard, at first I didn't even know if I could take part in this European Championship. I have to thank the PSG staff who allowed me to recover, and the coach who waited for me. I’m happy for myself and for the team. The national team belongs to everyone, those who played today have shown that they can be starters. We must be proud to represent Italy”.