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'If Conte calls, we'll fly to Chelsea' - Sunderland flop Giaccherini the surprise star of Euro 2016

The Italy midfielder failed to shine at the Stadium of Light but, at the age of 31, he is now being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge because of his fine form in France

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In the dressing room before Italy faced Spain in Paris on Monday, Emanuele Giaccherini stood up in front of his team-mates and declared: "Tactics and talent can only take you so far. What we need today is heart." They roared with approval. Giaccherini may be one of the smallest players in a squad containing giants of the game such as Gianluigi Buffon - but not one of them has a bigger heart than the diminutive midfielder.