The fresh, happy face of someone who is living a dream. Because what he’s experienced is, in his own words (and the same words used by Matteo Pessina after the Wales game), “a true fairy tale”. Giacomo Raspadori, otherwise known as ‘Jack’, is, however, aware of the importance of keeping his feet on the ground at this current time: “My strength lies in being level-headed and knowing that all this must be a starting point and not a point of arrival.”

So much has changed for Giacomo Raspadori in recent months: “Those who are now my Italy teammates were, just a short while ago, my idols. What they did to welcome me into the fold wasn’t something that could be taken for granted. The first thing that the Coach said to me after my call-up was ‘know that you’re here because you deserve to be’. Thanks to Mancini and my teammates, I immediately felt part of the group and this project.”

After having made his first-team debut in Bologna on 4 June in a friendly against the Czech Republic, Giacomo Raspadori has also been able to get a taste of tournament football at the Euros, replacing Bernardeschi in the final moments of the game against Wales. Jack’s memory of stepping out onto the pitch at the Olimpico could be seen in his smile: “I thought ‘damn, I’ve really done it!’ But at the same time, I felt ready and in the right place.”

A student of Sports Science, Raspadori spends the long morning hours at Coverciano studying for his Anatomy exam, which is “the most difficult one of the year.” Raspadori was recently likened to Totò Schillaci and other international legends from the past, such as Butragueño and Gerd Müller: “It’s a great source of pride to be likened to players who have made history with the Azzurri, like Schillaci. It’s definitely crazy for people to think about the similarities between myself and these great champions, and I certainly want to thank them for this massive compliment.

“Austria? They’re a really organised and strong side, but we just need to continue down this road and concentrate on ourselves. What we have over the other contenders at these Euros? The strength of the group and a shared vision.”

The Itinerary

Tuesday 22 June
**14:00 – Players on media duties
*18:00 – Training (behind closed doors)

Wednesday 23 June
**14:00 – Players on media duties
*18:00 – Training (behind closed doors)

Thursday 24 June
**14:00 – Players on media duties
*18:00 – Training (behind closed doors)

Friday 25 June
Chartered departure for Round of 16 game

* photos will be taken and shared by FIGC 
**media access will be limited to reduced numbers

NOTE FOR THE MEDIA – By clicking on this link, it is possible to download photos from Giacomo Raspadori’s press conference. The images can be used after giving photo credit with the words: Credits: Getty for Figc.