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Roberto Mancini claims Wales are like STOKE because they are 'physical' and a 'tough nut to crack'... but Italy boss concedes Gareth Bale and Co have the quality to cause a Euro 2020 upset in Rome in final group game

Italy coach Roberto Mancini compared Wales to Stoke City ahead of the two teams' European Championship clash in Rome on Sunday, while also insisting Robert Page's men possess enough technical ability to worry the Azzurri.

Mancini spent three-and-a-half years as Manchester City manager between 2009 and 2013, during which time Premier League sides often struggled with the physical challenge of a trip to Stoke, a then top-flight team.

'Stoke had a very tough style of play, they were a very tough nut to crack,' Mancini told a news conference on Saturday.