Defender Bonucci says Italy fear England could beat them the 'Italian way'

London, June 22(ANI): Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci has admitted England could beat them with their own Italian way when they meet in Euro Cup quarterfinal on Sunday in Kiev.

The Three Lions have gone from no-hopers to one of the tournament favourites following a significant transformation under new boss Roy Hodgson, as they topped their group pipping France behind them.

Since Hodgson took charge, England is unbeaten in five games and has developed a vicious spirit that has carried them into the last eight.

Bonucci admits England have become hard to beat and appear to favour soaking up the pressure before hitting their opponents on the break.

The Juventus defender credited Italian Fabio Capello for changing England's fortune and believes Hodgson is carrying forward the team in the same direction.

"England have become more like the Italians thanks to Capello and all the Italian managers in the Premier League. They are defending better and they play on counter attacks. So we really have to be careful against them," The Daily Star quoted Bonucci, as saying.

"They seem to have become a team that is very similar to us. We have similar qualities and I think it will be a great game. We know it will be tough to beat England," he added. (ANI)