Rudi Garcia admires 'solid, well-organised' Italy and denies they have no talent: 'Daniele De Rossi is a champion'.
The French Coach enjoyed a spectacular rise and fall from grace when coaching Roma between 2013 and 2016.
Having not signed for another club yet, Garcia is enjoying Euro 2016 in a relaxed state of mind, and is appreciative of the Azzurri's work.
Rudi Garcia admires 'solid, well-organised' Italy and denies they have no talent: 'Daniele De Rossi is a champion'.
The French Coach enjoyed a spectacular rise and fall from grace when coaching Roma between 2013 and 2016.
Having not signed for another club yet, Garcia is enjoying Euro 2016 in a relaxed state of mind, and is appreciative of the Azzurri's work.
“Italy are solid,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The organisation enforced by Conte is quite evident, and it was built on top of a very strong and experienced defence.
“It's false that they have no talent, I think the Azzurri have quite a bit of that. Besides, I see a joy and a togetherness in their team that bodes very well. Many of them also get an extra day of rest because their first place in Group E is guaranteed.”
The 52-year-old was then asked what he thought of the performances of his former Roma pupils, De Rossi and Alessandro Florenzi.
“Daniele played very well, but that doesn't surprise me. He's a champion. 'Flore' showed character on the pitch. I think he does better on the right, but he moves pretty well on the left too.
“Ireland? They have character and strength. They're a team that never gives up.
“My favourites are the same as they were at the beginning. The strongest is Belgium, but I see Croatia in a good position too.
“Spain and Germany are consolidated, while it's too early for a final judgment on France.
“But I don't like the fact that almost all third-placed teams should make it to the Round of 16. That makes the group stage almost redundant.”
Finally, the Serie A veteran was asked about his professional future.
“I won't talk of Roma as I'm still under contract. Which championship I'll be in? Believe me, I don't know.”