There was much discussion in the Italian media about whether Italian players would take a knee before the game against Austria, an anti-racist gesture by several teams, but defender Leonardo Bonucci said the team had yet to decide. “When we go back to the hotel, we have planned a meeting and will decide as a team,” he said.
Italy take the lead in the group stage and have won their last 11 matches without conceding a goal. They will be Austria’s heavy favorites in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time ever.
“Playing at Wembley should really be a pleasure because … well, sometimes players don’t get a chance to play there in their lives,” Mancini, former Manchester City boss, said.
“It’s such a great stadium and I want us to go out there and play well because the stadium deserves it.”
Austria advanced from Group C as runners-up, beating Ukraine 1–0 in their final game to recover from a 2–0 loss to the Netherlands.
“We know we are weak and our real chances are hard to judge, but even with 10 percent you can achieve a lot,” said Austrian coach Franco Foda.
“This team has already achieved something great but we are now focused on taking the next step to make it in Munich.”
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