Euro 2020 draw: Mancini wary of Italy´s ´annoying´ Group A opponents

Roberto Mancini has warned Italy not to underestimate the less glamorous teams joining them in Group A at Euro 2020.

The Azzurri will face Turkey, Switzerland and Wales next June after receiving a relatively kind draw.

Mancini’s men will be expected to reach the knockout rounds after maintaining a perfect record through qualifying, the only nation alongside Belgium to accomplish this feat.

But in 2016 semi-finalists Wales, a talented Turkey team and a Switzerland side boasting the best FIFA ranking of the four, Mancini found hidden demons.

“I don’t think the group will be as simple as some are saying,” the former Inter head coach told Radio Anch’io.

“They are annoying teams with nothing to lose. They all have good players and a lot of young players.

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— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) November 30, 2019

“Switzerland know us well and are always annoying to face, Wales can be a surprise with players in the Premier League and Turkey took four points from France in their qualifying group.

“These are teams that are difficult to deal with, but we are optimistic.”

Euro 2020 will mark Italy’s first appearance at a major tournament in four years, following the shock failure to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Mancini confirmed the squad he intends to take is already largely settled.

He said: “I believe the group is now outlined, but obviously if an extraordinary young man, a Paolo Rossi or [Salvatore] Schillaci, were to emerge in the next six months, we would be very pleased.”