European Championship, Totò Schillaci: “Forza Azzurri, but the magical nights …”

Totò Schillaci he is one of those very few “transversal” players loved by the fans of every team, despite the parochialism and rivalries. They can be counted on the fingers of one hand, Roberto Baggio (with whom he shared the wonderful experience of the World Cup in Italy), Gigi Riva.

Men before players and perhaps also for this reason appreciated by all. Schillaci, then, is a special guy. His is a unique story and when you hear him speak you realize that he too still struggles to believe it. “I am a man of the people and feeling the affection around me is the best reward”. Had he been one of many, after what he did on the pitch, he probably would have had an “institutional” role. No regrets, however, because the national Totò has a role in the hearts of the people.

I like this Italy», he tells us, «it has character and determination. Mancini was very good at building a united group and that you love. There is rivalry, of course, but it is a healthy competition that is only good for the team ».

Between Italy and the final of Euro 2020 there is now the Spain. «I am convinced that we can play our cards», he explains, «but the absence of Spinazzola, to whom I send my best wishes for a quick recovery, will be felt. But Emerson Palmieri is an excellent player and will do his best not to make him regret. After all, it is his great opportunity and in life when an important chance occurs it must be exploited.

There is great enthusiasm around this European Championship, perhaps even more than what has gone through previous editions. The desire to put the entire period of Covid-19 behind us is great. “There is an air of joy»Says Totò Schillaci,« but a European is not a World Championship. Italia ’90 has remained in the hearts of the people and still today I hear the fans singing “magical nights”. Whenever it happens, I get excited and shiver. ”

It’s been 31 years, football has changed. «In my day it was man-made and it was unthinkable that you would go out on the pitch without a center forward. Today the focus is on physical power and all the players are called to work for the team. Mancini has built a fantastic group, our national team runs, plays well and has enthusiasm ».

Now Spain, then if all goes well, England and Denmark in the final. The dream of becoming European Champions is one step away.

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