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      Who is Leonardo Bonucci’s wife Martina Maccari and how long have the pair been married?

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      LEONARDO BONUCCI is known as one of the hardest defenders in world football and will be lining up for Italy tonight against England. The Azzurri will be hoping to win Euro 2020 with England also hoping to win their first major trophy since 1966.
      Leonardo Bonucci is married to Martina MaccariCredit: @bonuccileo19 instagram
      And cheering on Bonucci this evening will be his wife Martina Maccari.
      She will not be watching the game from Wembley, however, due to coronavirus restrictions.
      Who is Leonardo Bonucci’s wife Martina Maccari?
      Bonucci has been married to his long-time partner Martina Maccari since 2011, when they tied the knot in Montacino, Italy.
      They first met back in 2008 after a mutual friend introduced them to each other.
      Martina was born on November 19, 1985 and her star sign is a scorpio.
      She was baron in Abbadia San Salvatore, Siena, Italy.

      Martina also has one sibling, a brother called Federico.
      The 35-year-old used to be a model and a blogger but she reportedly now works as an estate agent.
      Bonucci’s beau also has over 222k followers on Instagram and 23,000 followers on Instagram.
      With Bonucci, the couple have three kids, two sons and a daughter.
      Lorenzo was born in 2012, before Martina gave birth to Matteo two years later.
      And in 2019, Bonucci and Martina had a girl called Matilda.
      In 2017, Maccari caused outrage when she posted a picture of herself on the toilet on Instagram.
      The photo was uploaded ahead of Juventus’ Italian Cup final clash with Lazio.
      Juventus fans were furious with the picture and she was labelled and exhibitionist.
      Who has Leonardo Bonucci played for?
      Bonucci, 34, made his debut for Viterbese in 20015 before moving to Inter Milan, where played for three years.
      In that time, he had loan spells with Treviso and Pisa, before signing a permanent deal with Genoa.
      Bonucci then moved to Bari, but it was in 2010 with Juventus when he first made his name.
      Bonucci will start for Italy tonight against EnglandCredit: Getty
      The defender made 227 league appearances there before moving to AC Milan in 2017, where he spent a single season.
      He then returned to Juventus and has been playing for them since.
      Bonucci has made 108 appearances for Italy and scored seven goals in the process. More

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      Italy star Verratti and Euro 2020 final ref Bjorn Kuipers have history after claims official told him to ‘f*** off’

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      ITALY midfielder Marco Verratti could be on a collision course with Euro 2020 final referee Bjorn Kuipers.The Paris Saint-Germain star was seen remonstrating with the Dutch official after his side’s Champions League semi-final defeat to Manchester City back in May.
      Verratti and Kuipers had the exchange after PSG’s Champions League defeat to Man CityCredit: Reuters
      The Italian midfielder is set to start for the Azzurri on SundayCredit: Getty
      Kuipers is one of the most respected referees in EuropeCredit: AP
      And Verratti made a startling claim about what Kuipers said to him during their exchange of words.
      The 28-year-old alleged: “He (Kuipers) said ‘f*** you’ to me. I talk to referees a lot but I never say that or I get a 10-game ban.”
      Verratti’s accusation was also backed up by his PSG team-mate Ander Herrera, who alleged Kuipers also said it to another of their players.
      The former Manchester United man added: “We talk about respect with referees.
      “The referee tonight said ‘f*** off’ to Leandro Paredes. It’s incredible. If we say that we get a three-four match ban.”
      Kuipers will take charge of the Euro 2020 final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night.
      And Verratti is expected to start the game as he has been picked in Roberto Mancini’s starting XI for each of their last four matches.
      Italy are hoping to secure their first silverware since they lifted the World Cup back in 2006.

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      Meanwhile, England are looking to end a 55-year wait for a major trophy in their first final since 1966.
      Speaking about how he is dealing with the occasion, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said: “There are things that have helped me – having played for England and lived through tournaments and been able to experience what the role has looked like for other managers.
      “But there are so many other facets to the job. Today there were messages with opportunities to help charity projects.
      “So there’s the influence you can have in those areas, the leadership aspect which I know is important for the country at the moment because I know we can make people’s lives happier.
      “But then we’ve got to get the game tactically right because although there is great pride in what we are doing and people are speaking really nicely about us, the professional in you knows the tactical role has to be spot on.
      “We’re playing a team that hasn’t lost in 33 games. So the need in this role to flip in 20 minutes – meetings I have that go from intense tactical discussions to something about junior teams to the NHS – I think that’s unique.
      “The big clubs have massive scrutiny but we’re always the biggest show in town when we play – so in those moments we’re even higher than our biggest clubs.
      “It’s a wonderful privilege to be able to make a difference. But it’s no use being able to speak about other areas of society, if we don’t get the tactical bit right, the selections right, if we don’t manage the players the right way, the house falls down.
      “I know now this is a lovely period in many ways but we’ve got to get Sunday right.”
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

      Prince William tells the England team ‘the whole country is behind you’ in video message ahead of final against Italy More

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      Wayne Rooney issues ‘one warning’ to England about Italy and reveals his game plan for winning Euro 2020 final

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      ENGLAND legend Wayne Rooney has issued the Three Lions ‘one warning’ about Italy ahead of tonight’s final.The nation’s all-time leading scorer fears England’s opponents will want to slow the game down, and Harry Kane and Co can’t fall into that trap.
      England captain Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate are heading into the biggest game of their livesCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney has been at Wembley supporting the boysCredit: Getty
      Winning the battle with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini is vitalCredit: Getty
      Speaking in his column for The Times, Rooney said: “I think we’re favourites. Quality wise England have enough and mentally you can see the players are in a good place.
      “My one warning would be that we can’t get caught up in how Italy play, the way they’ll try and slow the game down.”
      Rooney, who scored 53 goals in a Three Lions shirt and who now manages Derby, revealed how he’d approach the game at Wembley.
      He wants to see speed and Italy’s centre-backs Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini run ragged.
      He said: “If I were Gareth I’d be telling England’s players to get the ball down and play quick, keep the tempo high, keep the Italians working, tire them out.
      “In 2014, Uruguay were able to break up the game and suck us in to playing the way they wanted — but this England team is more streetwise.

      “Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are great players — but not the quickest. I’m sure Gareth and Steve Holland will be looking at Alvaro Morata’s goal for Spain in Italy’s semi-final.
      “It showed that if you can get bodies around those two great centre backs, making sharp movements in behind them, they’re not comfortable.
      “If England can get Raheem making his inside runs, and Harry and other quick players moving down their sides, Chiellini and Bonucci won’t enjoy it one bit.”
      England take on Italy at Wembley at 8pm this evening.
      SunSport can reveal that Southgate will revert to a back five this evening, with Keiran Trippier coming back into the side and Bukayo Saka missing out.

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      In the middle of midfield will be Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips with England’s very own gladiators impressing SunSport columnist Jose Mourinho.
      In his latest column, he said: “It was a big decision for England to stick with Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice — a very strong statement which said, ‘We are not here to entertain, we are not here to be an amazing football team’.
      “It’s a big lesson for some people who think the most important thing in football is to be beautiful. In the end, we realise what this country wants most is to win the Euros.
      “If everyone was expecting Rice to start, it was not even 100 per cent sure that Phillips would be in the squad. But he has become fundamental to England.”
      Huge crowds send off England team as Three Lions depart from St. George’s Park for the final time for the Euro final More

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      England team to face Italy REVEALED with Saka missing out as Southgate returns to back five for Euro 2020 final

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      ENGLAND will revert to a back-five for tonight’s Euro 2020 final against Italy – meaning there is no place for Bukayo Saka, SunSport can reveal.Gareth Southgate is believed to have selected his side for the biggest game in the nation’s history for 55 years.

      Southgate has made his decisions for the starting XICredit: Reuters
      Trippier, right, comes into the sideCredit: PA
      Saka is the only player from the semi-final starting XI to miss out, with Kieran Trippier the man to come in.
      The line-up will see Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and John Stones across the back, with Trippier on the right of defence and Luke Shaw at left-back.
      Jordan Pickford remains in goal.
      England’s own midfield gladiators Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips will play in midfield.
      In attack, Harry Kane leads the line.
      And supporting him will be Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount.
      The shape of the XI is designed to counteract Italy’s tactic of getting their full-backs down the wing.
      This won’t be the first time Southgate has used the formation, having done so to brilliant effect against Germany in the Round of 16.
      That match saw England emerge as 2-0 winners.

      ⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽

      Saka is unfortunate to miss outCredit: The Sun
      Foden picked up a knock in trainingCredit: PA

      One player who looks certain to miss out entirely is Phil Foden.
      The England midfielder picked up a slight knock to his foot in training as they prepared for the game and is understood to not be available.
      The XI selected means England fan favourite Jack Grealish must once again make do with coming off the bench.
      The Aston Villa man has been used to great effect late in games so far during the tournament.

      The England team set off from their St George’s Park training base earlier today with throngs of fans lining the streets.
      Rows and rows of supporters armed with smartphones and St. George flags lined the streets of Burton on what promises to be memorable day for England.
      The last time the nation was preparing for a major international tournament was in 1966, when Bobby Moore’s side triumphed over West Germany, also at Wembley.
      England fans have already been getting the party started, with supporters hitting the pubs last night to get in the spirit.
      It comes as the Queen sent a personal message to Southgate and his squad, congratulating them on their progress to the final and wishing them all the best for tonight.

      Huge crowds send off England team as Three Lions depart from St. George’s Park for the final time for the Euro final More

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      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino watches Copa America final before hot-footing it to London for Euro 2020 showpiece

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      FIFA PRESIDENT Gianni Infantino was spotted at the Copa America final between Argentina and Brazil – less than 24 hours before the culmination of Euro 2020.Infantino was in attendance at the Maracana for the final of the oldest international football tournament just hours before he was due to jet off to London for England’s clash with Italy at Wembley.
      FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in attendance for the Copa America FinalCredit: AFP
      But he WON’T have to quarantine when he arrives in England for the Euro 2020 finalCredit: AFP
      A flight from Rio de Janeiro to London takes around 12 hours, meaning he’ll reach the home of football with just hours to spare.
      But the 51-year-old will be EXEMPT from hotel quarantine – despite touching down in the UK from a red list country.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson has waived quarantine rules for VIPs attending the tournament.
      They do, however, have to leave the country within 24 hours of their arrival.
      Footy fans were fuming at Infantino’s freedom to enter the UK without quarantine and took to Twitter to express their frustration.
      One said: “Gianni Infantino the President of @FIFAcom is at the Maracana for the #CopaAmericaFINAL where #COVID19 cases are sky high and will be at Wembley later for the #euro2020final.
      “It clearly isn’t what you know but who you know!”

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      Another said: “Why does #Infantino get to travel from #Brazil to #London, and go to the #EURO2020 Final ON THE SAME DAY, without isolating, #FIFA #UEFA, #BorisJohnson, #SajidJavid?”
      And another said: “Infantino at the Copa America final. No doubt he’ll fly to London and beat isolating to be at the euro 2020 final afterwards.”
      One remarked: “Gianni Infantino in Rio for the Copa América final and then flying to London for the Euro 2020 final later today.
      “I’d be giving this potential cocktail of variants a wide berth over the next couple of weeks.”
      Another remarked: “Not Infantino travelling from brazil to London tonight. Chile…covid is nothing for the rich.”
      England booked their place in their first major final in 55 years with a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Thursday.
      Gareth Southgate’s will face the Azzurri in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley.
      Gareth Southgate has guided England to their first final in 55 yearsCredit: PA

      And the Three Lions chief has urged his troops not to let the size of the occasion overwhelm them.
      He said: “I didn’t say very much at all before the semi-final because I felt the team were totally prepared.
      “I normally assess where they are during the day. We usually have a meeting about the set plays in the morning, and then I’ll speak to them before we leave the hotel.
      “You’re two hours before the game at that point. You want the message to resonate but it’s about how you make the players feel as much as anything. We don’t need to be getting them overhyped.
      “There will be enough energy and excitement around the stadium due to the occasion itself.
      “We need to keep that calmness that we have had for the whole month. We’ve dealt with it really well.
      ” The game against Scotland, we were disappointed with how it went, but it was a big occasion for us.
      “Germany was another one and then the quarter- and the semi-final. The players have coped remarkably well and I’m certain they will do so again.”
      UEFA President Infantino says Super League a ‘disgrace’ and clubs must face consequences More

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      Brits sing football chants as they hit pubs and bars on eve of Euro 2020 clash – let’s bring it home boys!

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      ENGLAND fans were out in full force overnight as they hit the town on the eve of the country’s biggest football game in 55 years.Revellers took to the streets -packing pubs and bars – as they sang and chanted well into the night ahead of the Euro 2020 final.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England fans partied in Leicester Square on Saturday night with beers in hand on the eve of the country’s Euro 2020 clash against ItalyCredit: LNP
      Flags were flown for revellers celebrated into the nightCredit: LNP
      Spirits were high as people danced and partiedCredit: LNP
      Boozed up fans sang chants – hoping that history can be writtenCredit: LNP
      The atmosphere was one of jubilationCredit: LNP
      England fans were snapped decked in their England gear as excitement builds ahead of the historic match.
      For most, this is their first ever experience of England in a major final – the last being in 1966 – and many chose to celebrate the unique event in some style.
      Beers flowed and spirits were high as people gathered in their droves to embrace the occasion.  
      Brits across the country are eagerly awaiting the final with the Queen, Prince William and Boris Johnson all sharing their best wishes to the Three Lions for the game.
      It’s been a long wait for any hardened England fan – one filled with pain and suffering – but this time, fans feel that that could all change.  
      Opponents Italy, however, will provide a stern test and many of their fans also made their presence known as they arrived on the streets of the capital.  
      Fans gathered in their droves for the occasionCredit: PA
      The party atmosphere started in in the streets as people united in support for the England teamCredit: Alamy
      It will be the first time they have seen England in a major finalCredit: Alamy
      Brits were decked out for the occasionCredit: LNP
      Italy fans were also making their presence felt in the streetsCredit: PA
      Italy played their semi final at Wembley Stadium meaning many Italians are already in London for tomorrow’s finalCredit: PA
      But while England fans drank into night, the players were having a much more relaxed evening at the Grove Hotel in Hertford as they stand on the cusp of greatness.
      Supporters greeted the players upon their arrival with a huge cheer and also lined the streets near St George’s Park as the team left the training centre.
      Captain Harry Kane waved to his adoring fans, as many hope he’ll be the man lifting the coveted trophy come Sunday evening.
      Speaking at a press conference alongside the skipper on Saturday night at the hotel, manager Gareth Southgate said his focus was on “bringing the trophy home”, adding: “We’re here to win.” 
      Earlier, England captain Harry Kane was met by adoring fans as he arrived at the team hotelCredit: Getty
      Young fans were beside themselves with excitementCredit: Getty
      They raised England flags aloft as they cheered on the playersCredit: Getty
      In a press conference, Southgate said his focus was on ‘bringing the trophy home’, adding: ‘We’re here to win.’Credit: AFP
      The Three Lions had also received a royal seal of approval from the Queen who, in a open letter, praised their spirit and commitment.
      But Southgate said it was all about what happens at Wembley on Sunday.
      The England manager also called on the huge crowd not to disrespect the Italian national anthem.
      “It’s important our fans always respect the opposition,” he said.
      “We know that when we play abroad and fans boo our anthem it inspires them more. I don’t think it will help the team.
      The nation will have a long day waiting for the 8pm kick-off, but Southgate insisted it will be business as usual.
      “It’s a normal matchday. All of our preparations, especially for these knockout games, have been the same – you have to keep that consistency,” he said.
      Wembley itself is set to host almost 70,000 fans which will erupt into a cauldron of noise for the match at 8pm.

      Southgate’s England team has been hailed for its awareness of social issues which has seen squad members saluted for taking the knee against racism, making a stand on donating to the NHS, and taking the fight for free school meals to Downing Street.
      But for all their plaudits off the field, tomorrow’s occasion on it will determine whether they leave a lasting legacy.
      Come on lads, bring it home!
      Wembley now awaits as England bid to make historyCredit: Reuters
      Harry Kane says fans are showing England team how big of an occasion their Euro 2020 success really is More

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      Euro 96 boss Terry Venables tells Southgate to ‘write your own moment in history’ in an open letter

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      MUCH-loved ex-England boss Terry Venables today sends an open letter to Gareth Southgate — telling him: “You and your team are writing your own moment in history.”El Tel — manager 25 years ago when the Three Lions reached the Euros semi-finals with Southgate in the team — urges him and the players to show “courage”.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Terry Venables has urged on the Three Lions in an open letterCredit: Paddy Power
      He wrote to Gareth Southgate, who he managed in the Euro ’96Credit: BBC
      And, addressing Southgate via The Sun on Sunday, he adds: “I will be with you in spirit on that touchline.”
      The 78-year-old former Crystal Palace, Spurs and Barcelona coach led England at Euro ’96 — until now the closest the men’s team has come to football glory since 1966.
      His team recorded a stunning 4-1 win over Holland en route to the semi-final as well as a memorable 2-0 victory over Scotland featuring a brilliant Paul Gascoigne goal.
      Gazza also came within inches of converting an Alan Shearer cross-shot in the semi against Germany and Darren Anderton hit the post from inside the six-yard box during extra time when a “golden goal” would have sealed victory.
      Venables, dubbed the “People’s choice” before taking over the England job in 1994, was then left comforting Southgate after his sudden-death penalty was saved.
      El Tel told Southgate ‘I will be with you in spirit on that touchline’Credit: The Sun

      The Germans went on to lift the trophy after beating the Czech Republic in the final.
      Now he hopes Southgate’s team — led by captain Harry Kane, 27, and winger Raheem Sterling, 26 — can finally end England’s 55-year silverware drought.
      In his letter, he says of England’s march to the final: “I knew exactly how, and what you were feeling as those incredible days which brought the country together back in ’96 came flooding back to me, feelings which cannot be fully appreciated unless you are standing on that spot.
      “As you know, sport teaches us so many lessons about life and the saying, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ is so true.
      El Tel hopes Southgate can finally end England’s 55-year silverware droughtCredit: Alamy
      “Having watched all of the games, I have to say that your team are a credit to you as mine were to me, and I know that to achieve a connection like that is a luxury many managers could never accomplish.
      “Enjoy every moment of your day on Sunday, knowing that our wonderful country are all behind you and your team cheering you on, willing you the success which you all deserve.”
      Having watched all of the games, I have to say that your team are a credit to you as mine were to me,Terry Venables
      El Tel will be watching the final tonight on TV with his wife of 40 years, Yvette.
      England will be roared on by a 60,000-strong crowd at Wembley, set to include PM Boris Johnson and wife Carrie, Prince William, and David Beckham. Another 35million will watch on TVs at home, in pubs and in fanzones.
      A source said: “Terry is looking forward to watching the lads and thinks they have a great chance.
      “Let’s hope the boys see his words and they inspire them on to great things.”
      Former SunSport columnist Venables fiercely defended stars including talisman Gazza after they were snapped boozing heavily in Hong Kong before Euro ’96.
      Mason: My Belle of ballBy Dan King
      THREE Lions ace Mason Mount says a girl’s tears after he gave her his shirt shows the Euros are about “more than just football”.
      Belle McNally, ten, cried when he picked her out in the Wembley crowd following England’s 2-1 ­semi-final victory over Denmark.
      Her tears were captured in video footage and Belle told The Sun: “It was the best night of my life.”
      Chelsea star Mount, 22, said yesterday: “Many people see us as footballers and don’t see the personalities we have away from it. Belle’s reaction was so special.
      “Sometimes, it’s more than football, what happens.”
      But he admitted he won’t be giving away his shirt after tonight’s final . . . 

      Venables had announced in January 1996 that he would be quitting his post at the end of the tournament due to ongoing legal battles.
      After England, he coached Australia, returned to Crystal Palace, and also bossed Middlesbrough plus Leeds in the early 2000s.
      In 2014, he opened a hotel and restaurant in Spain with Yvette. They sold it in 2019 after they decided to retire.
      Do it for our kids
      YOUNG lions up and down the country will roar on Gareth Southgate’s England this evening.
      Many schools are allowing a later start to the day tomorrow so kids can stay up to watch the historic clash against Italy on TV.
      Fred and Lola Leslie said ‘we won’t eat pizza for a month if they beat Italy’
      We asked under-10s to send in their messages. Here are some of their words of motivation to inspire the Three Lions.
      “I love England, they are like me, I wear my shirt like them” – Jessie Huie, 3.
      “Mum has promised us a week of no cabbage if England do it” – Poppie and Pixie, 8.
      “Please win this for us because we have faith in you” – Pinner brothers.
      “If England win, daddy says we can have lollies for breakfast” – Jack and Oliver Bird.
      The Pinner brothers pleaded for them to ‘win for us because we have faith in you’
      Anna Roberts, aged six, says her Arsenal-supporting dad has to cheer on Harry Kane
      Wags get silk PJs in final treat
      ENGLAND’s Wags got ready for the final in matching pyjamas.
      The players’ partners were each given a special set of PJs with the date 11/07/21 embroidered on the sleeve and their loved one’s name on the pocket.
      Harry Maguire’s fiancée Fern Hawkins, 26, Luke Shaw’s girlfriend Anouska Santos, 25, and Harry Kane’s wife Kate, 27, shared pictures of the nightwear on social media. And Anouska said: “This is the cutest.”
      The £60 sets, from HA Designs, came in white silk with black trimming and red embroidery.
      Last night, some of the girls were due to travel to stay at a hotel near Wembley Stadium.

      The Queen sends ‘best wishes’ to Gareth Southgate and England in open letter ahead of Euro 2020 final against Italy More

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      Harry Mane waves England flag on gondola ahead of final against Italy

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      SUN mascot Harry Mane unfurls our England flag on a Venice gondola — to let Italy know our boys will lick them.The lucky lion roared “it’s coming home” as he travelled the Grand Canal like the singer in the ice cream ad.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Harry Mane unfurls our England flag on a Venice gondola ahead of tonight’s finalCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Harry caused a splash when he reached Venice from Rome ahead of tonight’s final.
      And he warned: “They know we mean business now.”
      Harry said: “It’s great to be in Venice – what a beautiful city. It’s amazing.
      “It’s important we tell as many Italians as possible that it’s coming home! I had a good time singing that which amused the locals.
      When in Venice… Harry also stopped for an ice cream to let Italy know our boys will lick them tonightCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      “What better way than going across Venice on a gondola.
      “Locals turned their heads and were totally surprised – which is great.
      “They know we mean business now.
      Raffele Cini, whose gondolier navigated Harry across the river said it was good fun.
      Harry at Rome’s Colosseum where gladiators foughtCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun

      The 42-year-old added: “The Lion is great. We have our work cut out now.
      “It’s going to be such a huge challenge against England.
      “I’m worried.”
      Harry spent time in Rome before heading to VeniceCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Roman gladiator mauled by Sun mascot Harry Mane ahead of Euro 2020 final More