Roberto Mancini's long time agent Nicola Giuliani says the Italy coach has lifted the morale of the nation ahead of Sunday's Euro 2020 final against England at Wembley.

Written off by many inside Italy and abroad, the Azzurri have been celebrated as one of the tournament's great entertainers and for many neutrals are the sentimental favourites going into the clash on English soil.

With the strength and experience of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at the back, in combination with the youth of Fede Chiesa and Nicolo Barella in attacking roles, Mancini has pulled together a team eager to express itself.

For Giuliani, seeing Italy now within one game of being crowned European champions is a triumph of a manager at the peak of his tactical powers.

"Mancini has created a winning combination for mentality, application, hard work and of course a good technical and tactical attitude," he told Tribalfootball.com.

"Now everyone can enjoy his football, where we are now so proactive and we can attack at anytime."

Mancini has Italians smiling again

However, as Giuliani points out, the pace and snap Mancini's Italy has displayed this past month wasn't always expected by his peers working in the local media.

He continued: "But three years ago, for most people this would've been unexpected - just remember what I said in 2019. But now Roberto, after building an Inter Milan team which won the triplete before Mou (Jose Mourinho) and then at (Manchester) City where he won their first Premier League title, he has now produced a magnificent job with Italy - and it's something everyone is now admiring."

Indeed, Giuliani says Mancini and his players have lifted the spirits of the Italian public and brought a new pride to the nation's football.

Mancini's confidant concluded: "He has changed positively a whole country and now Italy is ready again to be competitive in all worldwide competitions.

"Wembley is coming soon and both squads are so good, so let's enjoy the match..."