“We’re just at the beginning, the most important thing is to be consistent until the end. I scored my first goal on matchday 10 last year and had a positive season nonetheless. I’m happy to be part of this Azzurri group,” continued Eder. “I will give 100% every time I play. I don’t know whether I’ll start next game or not. This national team has a good mix of young and experienced players. If we work hard we can achieve great things.”
Antonio Conte has specified that in order to be called up, the players will have to play consistently with their clubs but Eder doesn't seem to be worried. “If you play 38 league matches it’s obvious that you are fit when you’re at the national team, whilst the players who don’t get to play much can struggle to get a game.”
Andrea Bertolacci agrees with Conte. After having a great season at Genoa, he moved to AC Milan: “Only those playing consistently at their clubs deserve to be called up. We’re aware that two wins in the next two games would secure qualification to the EUROs. We’ll have to bear that in mind as we take to the pitch, and we will certainly be trying to get the win in both matches.”
The next opponent will be Malta. The Azzurri managed to beat them 1-0 in October 2014: “Malta are a team that defend a lot and are at their most dangerous when counter-attacking, which they showed in the last game. We’ll have to be very wary of that.” *Schedule (all times CEST) Wednesday, 2nd September
10:00  Training session at Coverciano’s Federal Centre (closed to the press)
17:45  Training session at Coverciano’s Federal Centre (open to the press for the first 15’)
19:30  Introduction of the new Puma Away shirt followed by press conference with Head coach and one player at the Franchi stadium. Malta’s schedule:
16:30 Press conference (head coach and players) at the Franchi stadium’s press-room.
17:00 Training session at the Franchi stadium (open to the press for the first 15’). Thursday, 3rd September
20:45 European Qualifier ITALY vs. MALTA (Artemio Franchi stadium)
Referee: Ivan Kruzliak (SVK)   
After the game press conference and head back to the Federal Centre in Coverciano. Friday, 4th September
17:00  Training session at Coverciano’s Federal Centre (closed to the press) Saturday, 5th September
10:00  Training session at Coverciano’s Federal Centre (closed to the press)
16:00  Travel by plane to Palermo
18:30  Training session at Renzo Barbera stadium (open to the press for the first 15’)
Press conference after training session(coach and one player) Bulgaria’s schedule:
20:00 Press conference (Head coach and one player)
20:30 Training session at the R. Barbera stadium (open to the press for the first 15’) Sunday, 6th September
20:45 European Qualifier ITALY vs. BULGARIA (Renzo Barbera stadium)
Press conference after the game   ]]>