“I played [football] a little bit when I was young and I really loved the sport,” the 22-year-old told the ATP Tour’s website.

“It’s great because you have teammates and you travel with the teammates and a lot of the families.

“It’s a team sport, so if you are friends all together, it’s a little bit easier to play.

“It’s going to be very interesting to see,” he replied when asked about the Azzurri’s chances at the European championships.

“We have a very young team.

“We made some changes, so it’s going to be interesting. I had the honour to watch some preparation, practice matches, in Miami.

“They played well, so hopefully we can start off very well. I think it’s important for the confidence level, so let’s see.

“It’s going to be exciting.”

He said he wouldn’t be watching the game against Spain with the other Italian players on the tour because “I need my space to watch alone”.

“Usually, when I care about something, I need my space.”

When asked if he would text Alcaraz if Italy win on Thursday, he said “No, I will never do that…” before pausing to laugh and adding, “Maybe!”

ANSA