Italy coach Roberto Mancini is delighted with the way his players have responded to him ahead of the Euros.
Italy go into the tournament among the favourites after missing the last World Cup.
"Players quickly realise if you are not competent," Mancini said.
“The objective at first was to bring the people back to the Nazionale, after they had drifted away from their team. We tried to provide a change of mentality.
“I found many players with a strong character, not just Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, but also Jorginho and Nicolò Barella, for example. If they know what to do, it's easier to stay in contact with them."
Mancini took over after Giampiero Ventura failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
“I accepted the job because my life has always been a challenge. I also felt an urge to make up for the fact that, despite the quality I had as a player, I never won anything with the Azzurri. I played 20 years at the top level, so that allows me to pass on my experience to the players.
“The first rule is score goals and don't concede them, but the fundamental element is to create a team spirit. That is why things have gone well so far."
