Italy manager Roberto Mancini has heaped praise on Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli as the team prepares for a Euro 2020 semi final.

The Azzurri take on Spain in the first of the semis on Tuesday at Wembley, having bested Belgium in the quarter finals.

Vialli is working as part of Italy's backroom staff, with the 56-year-old serving as a delegation chief.

"Gianluca and I have known each other for a very long time," said Mancini on Monday, per the Evening Standard.

"So it's only natural that it's different, I'm not necessarily saying that we grew up together, but it's almost like that.

"We spent a number of years together, and we have relationship that goes way beyond friendship. He's almost like a brother to me.

"But that was pretty much the case for everyone I played with in that Sampdoria side.

"There's been an excellent rapport among everyone, between the players and the staff, and Gianluca Vialli is now getting on a bit! So we're quite happy to listen to him when he speaks up."