Northern Ireland coach: “Their physical team, it won’t be easy. We are focused.”
While waiting for the European Championship, the road to World Cup in Qatar in 2022 of the National starts from the Tardini di Parma where Italy will host Northern Ireland in the first match of the qualifying round: “It is always nice to represent the nation – commented the ct Mancini on the eve -. It will be the first race and for various reasons it will bring difficulties, because it comes after so many months and it will be treacherous. We will have to be very careful and focused because it is always better to start on the right foot. “
–
Between absent and new faces, there are few doubts about the formation of Mancini: “Maybe just one, but we are evaluating everything. Today we meet the Inter boys, we had some problems and we will also evaluate who to bring on the bench.” The opponent is very physical, not to be underestimated: “They are a typically British formation, very good in counterattack. We must not take risks and especially at the beginning there will be limited spaces on the pitch. Their game is a little different from the others. Anglo-Saxon national teams, but they defend themselves very well and physically “.
Italy will have to face three official matches within a week, a rather unprecedented situation: “It’s a bit of a problem to have intense matches in a row right away, it’s not easy. This team, however, has personality and mentality, in the last few years. For two years she has always remained focused. Starting the group well will be very important. ” The goal is obviously to win a seat at Global 2022 after missing the appointment with Russia 2018: “We are not thinking about the European Championship, I am focused on these challenges and I missed the pitch”.
–
