It was written years ago that the colour blue would be part of his destiny when he wore it at Empoli in 2017. Then with the move to Napoli came another blue jersey, and now another that unites the hopes of a country, that of the national team.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo excitedly confirmed at a press conference that “blue is a colour that has in fact distinguished me in recent years. And it is no coincidence that my daughter is called ‘Azzurra’”.

The national team full-back’s story is full of sacrifices – “which have brought me this far, to be part of this group” – and of desire not to give up, even when his professional footballing career seemed to have almost reached a point of no return: “Practically everything in my life changed in the space of five years. I found myself without a team, but I was good at not giving up: now I’m enjoying this fantastic experience”.

While there is an entire nation to support the Azzurri, there is an entire town cheering on the on-pitch performances of one of its most famous citizens: Ghivizzano, a small village in the province of Lucca where the number two Azzurro jersey of Giovanni Di Lorenzo is projected onto the towers of the town: “They have set up the big screen in the square, they are all excited about this event… I have a special relationship with my brother Diego, who is four years older than me: We often call and confide in each other. In the most difficult moments of my career, there have been people who have allowed me to overcome that difficulty with their closeness. And my brother is one of them”.

Italy’s next match is against Austria, in the first knockout stage match that the Azzurri will face in this tournament: “They are a strong team, they play at a really high tempo, and are tough to face. But we’re training and preparing as best we can for this game. Alaba? An exceptional player, but all Austrian footballers are to be held in high regard.

Fearful about this match? The atmosphere here is excellent, our group is fantastic and there is the right mix of tension and concentration. We must have the same enthusiasm that we have had in the last few games, without falling into presumptions”.

On how he feels with the team, Insigne saying “it’s the first time that I’ve played in such an important event at this level, in such an important role. In the past other coaches have used formations that were less compatible with my style of play, although I have always made myself available. Now Mancini is using a system of play that is more suited to me”.

Insigne also adding that he enjoys being part of a team whose “strength is the group”, with teammates who are great friends even off the pitch and a team that is a good mix of experience and youth: “If the young players are living a fairy tale, it’s also true that they give us great enthusiasm. They may be looking to learn some secrets from us, but we are also looking to them and their great quality.

Our midfield? Many envy us: it’s made up of players who know how to combine quality and intensity. We always try to express our football, which makes it difficult for our opponents to play at speed, and we don’t want to interfere with that”.

The knockout phase – almost a ‘tournament within a tournament’ – will start on Saturday evening with the Round of 16. Insigne continued: “We know well that in the in-or-out games a single moment can affect the entire match, but we’re staying calm. Even in the opening game against Turkey, although we were not in the same situation, we had to win. And it was the young players who dragged us to the end through with their play”.

As for playing at Wembley, Insigne is so motivated:  “I think it’s everyone’s dream to score in such a stadium. We will try to go to London and give a great performance, as we have always done until now”.

✈️✈️ Italy flying to London Euro 2020 Round of 16 https://t.co/8QPTmNlSsr pic.twitter.com/LNSJi59H56

— Anna Italia (@ItalianSerieA) June 21, 2021

Italy National Team Itinerary

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