Troy

Roberto Mancini has overseen arguably one of the all-time great transformations in international football, not only turning Italy into a team that has a clear and fresh identity, but also a side that is successful.

When they lost 1-0 to Portugal on September 10, 2018 in the Nations League, who d have thought that by the next time they suffered defeat they d have won the European Championship? The fact that s the case despite Euro 2020 being delayed for 12 months is all the more impressive.

While the Azzurri required a penalty shoot-out against England in Sunday s final at Wembley, it s fair to say Italy were worthy victors in the end, with their hosts caution only taking them so far.

In fact, England s pragmatism was arguably akin to the philosophy historically…