Luis Suàrez Miramontes, better known as "Luisito", simply wrote the history of football. The Spanish one, which saw him protagonist both with Barcelona (2 championships, 2 Fairs Cups and 2 Coppe del Rey) and with the national team (European Championship 1964), and the Italian one, where he played the leading role in the great Inter by Helenio Herrera (3 league titles, 2 European Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups). The spark with our country struck immediately, so much so that, 50 years later, Suàrez still lives in Milan. Player of crystalline class, the only "pure" Spaniard (Di Stefano was still a native) to have won the Ballon d'Or (1960), but above all divided almost halfway between the two countries, Luisito is undoubtedly the most qualified for present Spain – Italy, the final of Euro 2012.
Suàrez tell the truth, would you have ever expected the final between "your" two countries?
“I know you probably won't believe me, but I predicted it…”.
And when?
“After the third day of the group, the one in which Italy beat Ireland. At that point, with the teams qualifying on opposite sides of the table, I said they would meet again in the final."
Well, since he's so good can you tell us how it's going to end?
“No, let's not exaggerate! In games like this you can't make predictions, you risk making a bad impression. Of course, precisely because I don't see any favorites, I think that whoever wants to win will have to do really extraordinary things".
Do you really think that Italy is on the same level as Spain?
“Spain is a consolidated team, that's why they're in the final. The reality is that the Red Furies are having a much harder time than expected, but they have so much quality that in the end they reached the bottom all the same. Italy, on the other hand, came out great, the match against Germany was something exceptional. And to think that the Azzurri had started slowly, with so many injuries and problems of various kinds. But now everything is resolved, even the attack turns which is a marvel. The Balotelli seen in the semifinal shifts the balance towards Italy…”.
He won't tell us that Sunday will be with us...
“Oh no, let's not exaggerate (laughs, ed). I love Italy, but I'm Spanish, so I'll be rooting for my parents on Sunday. Of course, if my country hadn't been involved I would certainly have supported the Azzurri... But do you know what? In situations like this, I'm happy."
Excuse me in what sense?
"Whatever it goes, I'll be happy."
Italy-Spain is also the confrontation between two great midfielders such as Pirlo and Iniesta. You who know about it, tell us: who is the strongest?
“I can't choose, they are wonderful players. Without a doubt Iniesta is the best of Spain, just as Pirlo is of Italy. Andrea has never been in question from a technical point of view, while his physical condition surprises me. At Milan he seemed to have lost that athletic vigor, evidently Juve did him good. He and Iniesta are the beacons, but those who play alongside them are also of the highest level. The two strongest midfields in the world will compete on Sunday”.
From former player to former coach: who is better between Prandelli and Del Bosque?
“I think they are similar in some ways. Both are quite calm, but they know how to prepare matches very well. Of course, this European highlights Cesare's qualities more. He did an outstanding job, giving confidence to the whole group. If the Germans noticed it, it will take them a long time to forget this beating".
Italy-Spain is also the challenge between two countries in difficulty from an economic point of view…
“Both are looking for a ransom for people, to distract them, because after the euphoria everyone will have to go back to thinking about the rest. In this sense, the elimination of Germany is revenge for everyone, and I think Italy played so well for this too”.
