Alessandro Del Piero stresses 'defence and a strong group' for the Azzurri in Euro 2016, whilst discussing Paul Pogba and Giampiero Ventura.

The 41-year-old was part of an extremely talented crop of players in the 2006 World Cup, and he was asked whether a less flashy Italy could become a powerful group in the space of three weeks.

“Yes, a team can do that, as long as there is quality on a human and technical level,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “In the great tournaments, there are games in which something clicks. It just happens.

Alessandro Del Piero stresses 'defence and a strong group' for the Azzurri in Euro 2016, whilst discussing Paul Pogba and Giampiero Ventura.

The 41-year-old was part of an extremely talented crop of players in the 2006 World Cup, and he was asked whether a less flashy Italy could become a powerful group in the space of three weeks.

“Yes, a team can do that, as long as there is quality on a human and technical level,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “In the great tournaments, there are games in which something clicks. It just happens.

“The fact that Italy come to this tournament kind of like they did in 2006 and 1982, without being the favourites and surrounded by criticism, is something that gives me hope.”

Del Piero was then asked for his own predictions for the tournament.

“Germany will once again be the protagonist. France play at home and I saw many positive signs two years ago. The youngsters are more experienced now.

“They are very patriotic, and the historical moment will weigh in after the Paris attacks. Then there's Spain, because they have a great history behind them.

“I'd place Italy a step below them, alongside England and Belgium. Since this is a short tournament I can't rule out surprises, such as Greece in 2004 and Denmark in 1992.”

“Italy's generation? In the midfield we're short of [Marco] Verratti and [Claudio] Marchisio, two players of great international value, but Conte's formation involves the contribution of everyone.

“Having talent in the attack is of relative importance. I hope the forwards don't forget how to score goals in the final phase and I'd like to remind everyone of the old rule: the attack sells tickets, but the defence wins championships. In 2006 we conceded only two goals.

“I see some good potential ahead, there are lads who dreamt of this moment. They'll have energy, enthusiasm and desire.

“It's not true that we lack champions, but Conte's game is based on the group. It matters that everyone plays together.”

Finally, the former fantasista was asked about Frenchman Paul Pogba and incoming Azzurri Coach Giampiero Ventura.

“For Pogba, everything's lined up for him perfectly. He's playing at home, he's more experienced and there's going to be a lot of pressure on him. It's going to be an important test.

“If he can draw the best out of this situation, it's going to be hard to contain him.

“As for Ventura, he has the necessary qualities, he's a teacher of football and he'll continue the work done by Conte.”

Byandrea

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