Italy’s next test is in Palermo against Albania in a World Cup Qualifier. “We’re studying them, they’re a team who played in the European Championship finals with good qualities and they’re well trained,” said Ciro Immobile at today’s press conference. “It won’t be a walk in the park, they’ll fight with tooth and nail. We know that playing at 90 per cent isn’t enough to win. Belief grew from September and we’re a more united team now. There have been improvements even if we’ve not spent much time together. If Buffon says that we’re a very strong team then who I am I to contradict him?”
Immobile will also be up against a Lazio teammate in Thomas Strakosha. “I’ve spoken with him and he said that they’ll give us a tough time but we’ll give our all to beat them,” added Immobile. “We all need to feel trusted and personally I must thank Ventura for what he’s doing with me.”
Palermo is also a special place for Immobile to play at. “I’m emotional about it because I’ve already played there twice with Italy and the atmosphere makes you feel at home,” he added. “From when the anthem plays the stadium gives you energy. When I play at the Stadio Barbera my family always look to go.”
The Lazio forward also agreed with Ventura about moving the start of the season to aid Italy’s preparation for the match with Spain on 2nd September. “I agree with the coach, it’s an important year and everybody must understand that,” he went on. “To prepare best for that match the start of the season needs to be moved, I don’t see what the problem is.”
Ahead of Friday’s match, the Italy squad trained with a double session at Coverciano. There was a mixture of work in the gym and on the training pitch. After being affected by the flu, Leonardo Bonucci worked in the gym and in short bursts on one of the other pitches.
Officials for Italia vs. Albania
Referee: Ilavko Vincic (Slovenia)
Assistants: Tomaz Klancnik (Slovenia) and Andraz Kovacic (Slovenia)
Fourth Official: Matej Jug (Slovenia)
FIFA Match Commissioner: Baiazs Makray (Hungary)
Squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Alex Meret (Spal);
Defenders: Davide Astori (Fiorentina), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Danilo D’Ambrosio (Inter), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Alessio Romagnoli (Milan), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Atalanta), Davide Zappacosta (Torino);
Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Roberto Gagliardini (Inter), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain);
Wingers: Antonio Candreva (Inter), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Nicola Sansone (Villarreal);
Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Eder Citadin Martins (Inter), Andrea Petagna (Atalanta), Ciro Immobile (Lazio).
Staff – Coach: Gian Piero Ventura; Team Manager: Gabriele Oriali; Coaches: Salvatore Sullo, Paolo Vanoli and Gianluca Spinelli; Secretary: Mauro Vladovich; Fitness Coaches: Alessandro Innocenti and Giovanni Brignardello; Doctors: Enrico Castellacci and Carmine Costabile; Masseurs: Fabrizio Scalzi, Emanuele Randelli, Alfonso Casano, Pasquale Raia, Walter Martinelli (osteopath).
Schedule
Wednesday 22 March
h. 10.30 Training (behind closed doors)
h. 13.30 ca Meeting with the media (players)
h. 15.30 Training (First 15 minutes open to the media)
Thursday 23 March
h. 10.30 Training (First 15 minutes open to the media)
h. 16.00 Departing flight to Palermo from Florence
h. 17.25 Arrive in Palermo and transfer to the stadium
h. 17.45 Walk Around
h. 18.00 Italy press conference(Coach and one player)
h. 18.45 Albania press conference (Coach and one player)
h. 19.30 Albania Training (First 15 minutes open to the media)
Friday 24 March
h. 20.45 QUALIFYING GAME FOR THE 2018 WORLD CUP ITALY-ALBANIA
Meeting the media after the game
Saturday 25 March
h. 11.00 Departing flight for Florence
h. 12.25 Arrive in Florence and transfer to Coverciano
h. 16.00 Training (First 15 minutes open to the media)
Sunday 26 March
h. 10.30 Training (behind closed doors)
h. 13.30 ca Meeting the media (players)
h. 16.00 Training (First 15 minutes open to the media)
Monday 27 March
h. 10.30 Training (behind closed doors)
h. 16.30 Flight from Florence to Amsterdam
h. 18.50 Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to stadium
h. 19.15 Walk Around
h. 19.30 Press conference (Coach and one player)
The Netherlands’ team schedule
h 12.15 Training session at the AZ Alkmaar Stadium in Alkmaar (first 15 minutes open to media)
Press conference to follow (Coach and one player)
Source: figc.it