Leonardo Bonucci has given his backing to new manager Thomas Tuchel to help England overcome the barrier four years after the former Italy defender denied them the European Championship title.
Football did not return home to Rome after the rescheduled Euro 2020 final ended at Wembley Stadium, where Luke Shaw's early goal was cancelled out by the Azzurri centre-back.
Bonucci was also among those who converted a penalty in the decider as Italy triumphed in the final, extending England's wait to be part of Sir Alf Ramsey's 1966 World Cup heroes once again and cement their name in history.
Gareth Southgate's side suffered another defeat in their final game against Spain at the European Championship last year and Tuchel is now taking charge to finally lift silverware at the World Cup next summer.
Asked if the new England manager could help the national team overcome that barrier, Bonucci told PA: “Yes. I am very impressed with Tuchel and his work with teams like PSG and Chelsea.”
“I truly believe he is capable of leading England to significant success in the future.”
Tuchel prepares for his debut as Italy manager when they face Albania in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium on Friday and Bonucci is confident Italy's mentality will be key to their Euro 2021 triumph.
“It was strange, but it was almost a blessing that England opened the scoring early on because, in a way, it quenched the thirst of the English team,” he said. “Ultimately, Italy prevailed and reached the skies.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
