Filippo Inzaghi has hailed Jorginho for his roles in Italy’s exploits in the Euro 2020, saying the Chelsea star “has surprised me, he’s confirming himself as a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.”
The Azzurri are unbeaten in 33 games, stretching back to 2018, and take on host nation England tomorrow night for the trophy.
“Roberto Mancini did well to create a real team spirit and focus on young players, for example he called up Nicolò Zaniolo when nobody knew who he was,” Inzaghi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“There is also great talent in the side, as don’t forget Marco Verratti plays for PSG and Jorginho won the Champions League with Chelsea. Jorginho has surprised me, he’s confirming himself as a candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
“Italy play good football, have a world class goalkeeper in Gianluigi Donnarumma and have strong values. Seeing Lorenzo Insigne lose the ball and run 70 metres to get it back is a strong message to everyone. I show tapes of this Italy side to my players in training at Brescia.”
The weakest point in the current Azzurri side is probably the centre-forward, where Immobile and Andrea Belotti have not replicated their club form.
“I have to say that the two centre-forwards, the most criticised players in the squad, are doing a great job and give their heart and soul for this team,” said SuperPippo.
“I wouldn’t consider it a problem getting goals from the strikers, because we won the 2006 World Cup with Marco Materazzi our top scorer on two goals…
“I hope Immobile scores in the Final, as I consider him to be an excellent striker. He did very well, especially in the group phase, doing the hard work to ensure Italy could play well as a team. A goal in the Final would be the icing on the cake.
“He can score 30 competitive goals per season, so Immobile really doesn’t need advice from me. I too had tough moments of form, so Ciro just has to relax and stay focused.
“We need to be wary of England’s physical strength, the fact they are on home turf and Raheem Sterling, because when he’s in the mood, you can’t catch him.”
Inzaghi was asked for his prediction ahead of the Final.
“Italy to win 1-0 with a goal from Immobile.”