Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Nursey

Wales speedster Dan James aims to put brakes on Azzurri with another Italian job

Dan James aims to complete another Italian job this weekend.

The Manchester United wideman has started both games for Wales at the Euros and stretched opponents with his rapid pace.

He was part of United's side who knocked out AC Milan - including Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma - from the Europa League last 16 en-route to the final this term.

Now he is aiming for another memorable win on Italian soil against the Group A leaders in Rome to end the Italians' 100% start.

A point will secure second place for Wales but James insists they want a win to top the group after their brilliant 2-0 victory over Turkey.

James,23, who has four goals in 22 games for Wales, said: “It is going to be a great game.

“We played in Italy with United.

“I have been there before and Donnarumma is a great keeper.

“They have won both their matches but we will go into it with our heads held high.

Dan James has clocked one of the fastest speeds in Euro 2020 and will look to put the brakes on Italy's impressive start to the tournament (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“I don't think we want to go into any game playing for a draw.

“We want to win every game and we fully believe we can do that.

“They have home advantage but that doesn't matter to us at all.

“I truly believe we can go and win it.

“They are a new team from the last Euros and if you look at them closely there are not many weaknesses.

“But as a team we don't need to fear anyone.”

James has clocked 33.5km/h in the tournament so far for one of the top speeds but Italy's Leonardo Spinazzola has gone even faster at 33.8km/h.

Reflecting on his pace, James added: “It is something I have to use my advantage.

“In this kind of tournament, with games coming thick and fast, you have to pick your moments.

“I don't think you ever get near that top speed unless you are having a 30m sprint.”

Dan James has four goals in 22 games for Wales ahead of their game in Italy on Sunday (AFP via Getty Images)

James has impressed in both Wales' games against Switzerland and Turkey.

But he was unhappy to be subbed in the opener and threw a strop when his number came up in the 75 th minute when Wales had just equalised.

But James, who was replaced by David Brooks, later apologised to the Dragons boss Rob Page, James said: "At the time I was just concentrating on getting the points.

"We'd just scored, the adrenaline was high and maybe I shouldn't have reacted like that.

"But I spoke to the manager after the game, I apologised and said at the time I just wanted to play and push for the three points.

"He said he would much rather I came off like that than being happy to come off. So, yeah, it's fine now."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.