All smiles: Buffon joked that he and his fellow keepers might spend this evening watching videos of a different kind

'I think Italy can be a match for any side. This is our great advantage and our great defect. We can play great games against great teams but we can play weak games against weak teams. One good point is that we haven't lost yet, so we have achieved a very good result because we are among the best eight teams in Europe.

 'Surprises can happen but we still need to improve if we are to get  further in the competition. Can we beat England? It is 50-50. If it comes to penalties, I have won twice and lost one, but we will try to settle it before penalties.'

 All of which sounds strikingly similar to the message pedalled from the England camp, a delicate blend of caution and confidence; embracing the low expectations while reminding themselves they have pedigree.

« Previous12345Next »