BAKU, AZERBAIJAN, June 7, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- RELEASE: Italian veteran coach offers predictions on Euro 2020

BAKU, 07 June 2021: With less than 10 days to go until Euro 2020, veteran Italian coach Gianni de Biasi today offered his predictions on the tournament.

De Biasi is a highly-respected figure in world football. After a long professional playing career from 1974-1990, he began his managerial career in 1992. Since then, he has managed many of Italy’s most famous Serie A clubs, including Modena, Torino, Brescia and Udinese. As Head Coach of Albania, he guided them to qualification to Euro 2016, the first major tournament in the country’s history. He is currently head coach of the Azerbaijan national football team and resides in Baku.

Speaking on the upcoming tournament, De Biasi gave the following commentary.

On the atmosphere in Baku:

“With the tournament so close now, Baku is bubbling with excitement and now has a true festival atmosphere. Everybody I seem to speak to is looking forward to showing off the City, putting on a good show and watching some quality football. I look forward to joining the party!”

On Group A:
“On paper, this is a tricky group and I look forward to seeing some really competitive games. Despite some disappointment in recent years, Italy have not lost in 26 matches and are the team to beat. Turkey has a strong side and I think they are the dark horses to keep an eye on. If they hit form at the right time they could go a long way in this tournament."

“However, I think nobody can cruise in this group. The Swiss are a solid outfit with a good mix of old and young. They will put up stiff resistance. And remember what Wales did in 2016? They will be tough competitors. If players like Gareth Bale can find form, they will also have a great chance of getting out of the group.”

On the Quarter Finals:
“There is some real quality in the tournament this year and I think the usual suspects, France, Spain, Italy, England, Portugal and Belgium will all be there or thereabouts. However, we are sure to see a couple of dark horses. Keep an eye on Turkey and Poland.”

On the winner:
“I’d love to say Italy. And England stand a chance. But good luck to anybody who thinks they can beat France this year.”

As part of a multi-nation format devised by UEFA to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the tournament, Baku is proud to be hosting four games at Euro 2020: Wales vs Switzerland (Saturday 12 June, 15:00), Turkey vs Wales (Wednesday 16 June ,18:00), Switzerland vs Turkey (Sunday 20 June, 18:00) and Quarter Final 3 (Saturday 3 July, 18:00).

Elkhan Mammadov, Executive Vice President, AFFA, said:

“There is not long to go now and as we put the finishing touches on preparations for the tournament, the atmosphere in Baku is terrific! We have been building up to this event for two years and all involved have worked tremendously hard to ensure fans can have a safe and memorable experience, leaving a strong legacy for the game. Soon it will be time to enjoy it, to celebrate some quality football and show the world what a special festival of football Baku is capable of.”

ENDS

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