Ukraine, Jun 30: Italy is happy to play the underdog role for the last time at the European Championship.
Having proved wrong the pre-match predictions of a defeat by Germany in the semifinals, the Azzurri believe they can do the same in Sunday's final against defending champion Spain.
But as captain Gianluigi Buffon points out, Italy does “have a problem tomorrow—because we're facing a squad that has shown its superiority. Luckily it starts at 0-0.”
Buffon says “Spain is the favorite, because they've dominated for four years and they've got great champions. Italy is the surprise, and we hope to surprise right down to the end.”
Meanwhile, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says he won't use the three-man defense he employed in the 1-1 draw with Spain that opened Group C.
Having proved wrong the pre-match predictions of a defeat by Germany in the semifinals, the Azzurri believe they can do the same in Sunday's final against defending champion Spain.
But as captain Gianluigi Buffon points out, Italy does “have a problem tomorrow—because we're facing a squad that has shown its superiority. Luckily it starts at 0-0.”
Buffon says “Spain is the favorite, because they've dominated for four years and they've got great champions. Italy is the surprise, and we hope to surprise right down to the end.”
Meanwhile, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says he won't use the three-man defense he employed in the 1-1 draw with Spain that opened Group C.
