Marco Verratti feels England's penalty was "generous" as the Euro 2020 final mind game get under way early.
Gareth Southgate's side advanced to a first major final in 55 years as Harry Kane's goal, slotted in on the rebound of a missed spot kick, was enough to beat Denmark in extra time.
They'll face Italy on Sunday at Wembley, with the Azzurri on a 33 game unbeaten run having squeezed past Spain on penalties.
But the way Raheem Sterling went down to win the penalty for the winning goal has proved controversial and Verratti admits he was surprised it was given.
The Italy star said: "It was a generous penalty, I wouldn't have whistled for it.
"It was an important goal, they won the game. Let's say it's a generous penalty."
However, the Paris Saint-Germain star has nothing but respect for England ahead of the showdown at Wembley.
Verratti explained: "We watched the match together. England are physical, they have players who are also technically good.
"They deserved to reach the final. It will be a final, we will both want to win, we will meet a great team. They're playing at home, in a stadium they know well. It would be a dream to be able to win it that situation.
"It will give us strength too. Playing in a great stadium, in a European Championship final, there will be huge motivation.
"There will be a great referee, who will have a great match. He will not be influenced by Wembley, these guys are used to refereeing in the Champions League and important matches. We are not worried about that.
"We are happy that they won, now we're playing in a historic final for both of us.
"I made my debut with the national team against them in 2012, I made my debut in the World Cup against them.
"It's a match between two great national teams who deserve to have this opportunity to be in the final.
"We've both had a great journey, unfortunately only one will win on Sunday.
"We hope it will be us."
