Italy boss Roberto Mancini believes he has the world’s best centre-back pairing in Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
The Juventus team-mates — combined age 70 — were at their most cunning during the 2-1 victory over Belgium to set up tonight’s semi-final against Spain.
Chiellini was returning after injuring a flexor muscle in the opening game of the tournament, but his partnership with Bonucci was key in resisting Belgium’s push for an equaliser.
‘They are the best centre-back partnership in world football, we have heard that for many years,’ said Mancini.
‘Their strength is that they want to prove that every match. We hope Giorgio can now withstand three matches in a short period.’
Bonucci, speaking at Wembley on Monday, was also pressed on the understanding the pair have developed during 11 years together for club and country.
‘We know each other’s game inside out,’ he said. ‘It comes very naturally. You don’t have to think about the other things you normally would when playing with someone else.
‘We can share the workload and it allows us to both be leaders — that is critical.’
Mancini, meanwhile, called it ‘very unfair’ that Wembley will not be made up of thousands of Italian and Spanish supporters because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
But those at home in Italy believe their team is destined for the final, a confidence Mancini welcomed.
‘I hope you’re absolutely right,’ he said when told that Italian fans believe they will repeat their Euro 2016 victory over Spain.
‘But we know it won’t be easy. It’s very unlikely you find an easy semi-final opponent.
‘Spain have dominated world football and have been an incredible team for many years.’
Bonucci was also cautious when it came to writing off Italy’s opponents.
‘Spain have been much maligned through Euro 2020,’ he said.
‘But their manager Luis Enrique has protected them. He has been a lightning rod. It has brought them together. They have real mental strength.’
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