As Fabio Capello’s first week in charge of the England national team draws to a close, the Italian has given the thumbs up to the new Wembley Stadium.
Capello and his backroom staff toured the new £800m national stadium on Wednesday and was clearly impressed with the new home of English football.
Fitness coach Massimo Neri, goalkeeping coach Franco Tancredi, general manager Franco Baldini and assistant coach Italo Galbiati joined Capello for the tour of the venue, which will host his first game in charge of England in just 26 days time.
Capello, who appears to have kept his pledge to learn English ahead of his first game, said: “I felt it was important that my staff had the earliest opportunity to visit Wembley. I wanted them to get a feel for the stadium.
“We looked at the pitch, which has just been re-laid, we toured the dressing rooms and looked at the medical facilities.
“I have to say that we were all greatly impressed with everything we found. Wembley is the spiritual home of football and we are all determined to try and create a successful team for England here.”
More than 70,000 tickets for England’s friendly with Switzerland have already been sold, with supporters eager to see the new-look England side following a disastrous European Championships qualifying campaign.
“Already, we are looking forward to playing in front of 90,000 fans against Switzerland next month” Fabio added.
“It is incredible the level of support the team receives. I am told that the atmosphere for night games is when Wembley is at its best so we will work now towards the Switzerland game with excitement and anticipation of the atmosphere at what is, undoubtedly, one of world football’s great stadiums.”
Capello also has fond memories of the old Wembley Stadium. Back in 1973, he scored the goal that led Italy to their first ever victory at Wembley against England.
Meanwhile, it is rumoured that Capello may take the England side on a tour to Australia in the summer to make up for the team’s absence at Euro 2008. The FA is also expected to arrange a friendly with Scotland at Wembley.
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