MILAN: Jorginho said Tuesday that the difficult work for Italy begins now as the Azzurri prepare to take to the field at home for the first time since their triumph at Euro 2020.
Roberto Mancini’s side face Bulgaria at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday in the first of three 2022 World Cup qualifiers, with fans in Florence set to welcome their summer heroes back to action.
Italy top Group C with a perfect nine points after their first three matches, but with only one guaranteed World Cup spot per group and a trip to Switzerland — who dumped France out of the Euro — coming up on Sunday Chelsea midfielder Jorginho says they need to keep on their toes.
“Now it gets difficult, as Italy are no longer a surprise team,” he told reporters.
“We’ve returned to where we belong, and everyone who comes to play against us will come with a different attitude, so we’re happy with what we’ve achieved but we need to stay humble because the moment you let your guard down bad things start to happen.”
Italy won the Euro playing an expansive style of football which combined with the more traditional dogged, resolute characteristics of the national team guided them to glory by beating some of the tournament’s toughest opposition.
Mancini has managed to combine a pool of talented midfielders, including Jorginho, to dazzling effect, with his team now 34 games unbeaten heading into the Bulgaria match.
“The manager has changed the way that national team plays, I don’t think the message has just been sent to other countries but also to the Italian people, who I think enjoyed themselves watching us,” said Jorginho.
“There are lots of team with extremely good players, but the difference with us is the unity, the group we have is what made the difference and will continue to do so.”
Winning the Euro final against England, at Wembley no less, also gave Jorginho bragging rights on his return to the Chelsea training ground, where he met up with midfield partner Mason Mount and Three Lions full-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
“I’ve enjoyed it loads, they didn’t enjoy it much! I have to say they welcomed me back, but thank goodness we won... I enjoyed that little period,” he said.
Jorginho was left “a bit open-mouthed” by Pele saying he was a fan of the 29-year-old after he capped a memorable three months by being named UEFA men’s player of the year last week.
It was the latest high-point of a fertile period for Brazil-born Jorginho in which as well as winning the Euro with Italy he also starred as the Blues claimed the Champions League.
He beat Chelsea teammate N’Golo Kante and Kevin De Bruyne to the prize after helping his team see off the Belgian’s team Manchester City in the final in Porto before then helping Italy to Euro glory.
Asked by one reporter if he was thinking about winning the Ballon d’Or in December, Jorginho laughed.
“There’s a few months for that decision, “he said. “I’m trying to think about now... we’ll what happens later on.”
Difficult work begins for Jorginho as Euro kings Italy restart World Cup bid
https://arab.news/z337n
Difficult work begins for Jorginho as Euro kings Italy restart World Cup bid
- Chelsea midfielder Jorginho says they need to keep on their toes
- "Now it gets difficult, as Italy are no longer a surprise team," he told reporters
Cycling legend Peter Sagan confirmed for L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France
- The event, presented by Skoda, returns to Dubai on Jan. 24-25
DUBAI: Legendary cyclist Peter Sagan has been confirmed for this year’s L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France presented Sy Škoda, which is set to see over 700 riders taking part on Jan. 24–25.
Part of the official L’Etape series (25 countries, more than 30 races), the event brings the Tour de France experience to amateur cyclists through closed-road routes designed to mimic international racing standards.
This year’s edition will see Sagan — former professional road cyclist, a seven-time Tour de France Green Jersey winner and three-time UCI Road World Championship winner — join hundreds of amateur cyclists on the Sunday.
As well as giving those taking part the chance to ride alongside one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, Sagan will join the finish-line celebrations in the Expo Village Park to present medals to riders as they finish.
Sagan said: “I have been watching closely as Dubai has emerged as a key destination for international sporting events, with cycling playing an increasingly prominent role. L’Etape Dubai builds on that by bringing the structure and standards of one of the world’s most renowned sporting experiences to riders in the city.”
In the build-up, L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France will host a series of community rides, leading up to a special ride on Jan. 18.
The main day of race weekend is Jan. 25, when two races will start simultaneously at 7am from Dubai Design District.
The Epic Race covers 112 kilometers, offering a demanding challenge for experienced cyclists, while the Classic Race spans 61 kilometers, catering to riders seeking a competitive yet achievable Tour de France–style experience. Both routes will finish in the Expo Village Park.
The addition of three designated sprint sections has also been confirmed, among them the Sagan Speed Challenge near Global Village, where the fastest woman and fastest man will each receive a special jersey presented by the man himself.
The weekend will also include family-focused events on Jan. 24, beginning with the Skoda Kids Race. Covering distances from 300 meters to 1.8 kilometers, it starts in two waves for different age groups from 9 a.m. There is also the Skoda Family Ride, a 20-kilometer route starting at 10am, designed to welcome riders of all ages in a relaxed and inclusive setting. Sagan will be present at the finishing line in Expo Village Park for both, offering families and young riders a chance to get up close to a true global sports legend.
Central to the weekend’s activities will be the L’Etape Village at Expo Village Park. Open throughout the event, it will bring the Tour de France atmosphere to life through immersive experiences such as the Tour de France Museum, memorabilia and feature walls, interactive exhibitor activations and family-friendly activities.
Lukas Honzak, managing director of Skoda Middle East said: “Cycling has been part of Skoda’s DNA for more than 130 years, and through L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, we are proud to play a leading role in growing amateur cycling in the UAE, in line with the country’s vision for more active and healthy communities.”
Participant Andrea Pusateri said: “I lost my leg at the age of three, but sport has taught me that limits are only mental — not physical. Today I am the first Paralympics team captain in the history of the Giro d’Italia, and I use my story to promote inclusion and inspire people through cycling.
“Taking part in L’Etape is a dream for me. Riding in this iconic event, side by side with champions and thousands of passionate cyclists, represents exactly what I believe in — that sport belongs to everyone.”
The inaugural edition of L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, held in 2025, set a new benchmark for amateur cycling events in the UAE, recording the highest participation for a first-edition race in the country. More than 1,000 cyclists took part, including 243 international riders and 266 Emiratis.
