Gerrard wary of tough Italians
Steven Gerrard (left) with Wayne Rooney (right)
England downed co-hosts Ukraine 1-0 on Tuesday night to finish on top of Group D, thus avoiding a meeting with defending champions Spain.
However, Gerrard is convinced that the Azzurri will also present a different challenge when the two sides meet on Sunday night.
“It was fantastic to top the group and we need to enjoy it now but then dust ourselves down because it will be a very tough game against the Italians,” Gerrard told reporters.
“They are a very tough team to beat. They are good defensively, have got a fantastic keeper in (Gianluigi) Buffon, and they’ve also got match winners in the ranks.
“They are similar to us and it will be a very close game. Let’s not under-estimate them one little bit. But, if we get that bit of luck and play well, I’m confident we can do well.”
The victorious side will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Germany and Greece.




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