What does Daniel James expect against Italy?

Sunday 20 June 2021 07:00

Daniel James says belief will be key when Wales take on Italy in Rome on Sunday tea-time, as the Welsh look to pick up the point needed to qualify for the second round of Euro 2020.

James and co have begun the tournament brightly, with a draw against Switzerland in their first match followed by a hard-fought victory over Turkey, and our impressive winger caught the eye in both games.

Italy, meanwhile, lead the way in Group A after two impressive wins from two matches, but James insists his and his team-mates have nothing to fear at the Stadio Olimpico, where a win for Wales would see them top the group.

James clocks second-fastest speed at Euro 2020

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Only one player has sprinted quicker than our Wales winger did in the stunning win over Turkey.

“I don't think you can ever write us off. Italy are a great team, but we go in believing we can win,” he told BBC Sport.

“Yes we are underdogs, but we want to play the best teams.

“They had a great run going into the tournament, they're a new team from the last Euros [in 2016], lots of new players, not many weaknesses, but we have to fully believe we can go and get a result.”

Earlier this week we reported how Dan had recorded the second-fastest speed at the tournament – 33.5 km/h, just under 21mph. The only man to have run faster is Italy full-back Leonardo Spinazzola (clocking 33.8 km/h) and the pair could face each other today.

“It's something I've got to use to my advantage,” declared our no.21. “I've always tried to do that. [At] times I've not used it to my advantage as much as I can.”

Dan also discussed the incredible support Wales have received from their fans, even though many of them, sadly, can't be at the games in person due to COVID restrictions.

“We've kind of normalised it now for so long without them. It's nice to hear what's going on [with the fans],” added James.

“My mum said she had been sent videos of fans chanting my name in a pub, which is really nice to hear. We wish we could see all the fans first-hand; we see them on social media and we feel and believe their support on the pitch and it makes you fight that little bit more.”

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