Call The British Media Arrogant, Former Italian Defender: They Only Have Little Knowledge About Football Outside Their Country

Fulvio Collovati (Instagram @fulviocollovati)

JAKARTA - Former Italian national team defender Fulvio Collovati has criticized England and his local media after Gli Azzurri beat the Three Lions on penalties to win Euro 2020.

According to the owner of the 1982 World Cup winner's medal, the British media were too arrogant and only paid attention to their own football, as a result, the back line of Gareth Southgate's team was troubled several times by Federico Chiesa's movements in the final.

"The English media only know their own football, not the international competition map. I have the impression that they have little knowledge of football outside their country, they are very confined," Collovati told Calciomercato.com as quoted by Antara from the Italian Football page, Wednesday.

"Maybe that's why they were surprised by Italy at the Euros. They were presumptuous, too self-serving and arrogant. On the other hand, Roberto Mancini's team humility managed to get rid of many camps," he added.

The achievement of the Euro 2020 trophy further sharpens Italy's brilliant record under Mancini who missed 34 matches without defeat.

Collovati, who during his time was the main stopper defender for the Italian national team, said the England back line had many problems compared to the three-headed centre-back duo at the heart of the Italian defense, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

"From the game it was clear how defenders should defend. England got a quick goal and maybe a chance or two after that but after that nothing else," he said.

"I'm afraid that nowadays they don't teach defensive stances, how to control speed when guarding against one-on-one opponents who have right or left foot skills.

"Just look at how easily Chiesa gets past England defenders. Obviously he has speed, but he doesn't need to work much except moving the ball and running, because his opponent's stance is wrong.

"It's all about anticipating moves in those kinds of situations, and Chiellini is an example of an old medote defender, he knows how to do it. Now they no longer teach the basics of defending in my era," concluded Collovati.