Tavecchio: “We can play a role in France.” Conte pleased: “The team is developing.”

 
There is a lot of excitement in the Azzurri’s locker room. Even head coach Conte was celebrating: “Now that we have achieved qualification, it looks like it was certain all along, but in reality it wasn’t easy. I am very pleased, my players are working hard and the team is developing. We have changed tactically many times, but we have always worked hard. Our tactical awareness is growing, which is always positive.” But it’s not over yet. Norway will come to Rome for the final qualifying match of the campaign, which will take place at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday. Winning the group and the possibility of going into the draw as a top seeded side are still to play for. “Now we have to think of recovery. We absolutely want to go to Rome with the intention of getting all three points. The factor regarding the top seeded team is somewhat bizarre. Croatia are ahead of us in the FIFA rankings but we are ahead of them in the group standings. It’s a system that I have difficulty understanding.”
  
El Shaarawy played an important role in Italy’s victory in Baku, but he instead offers praise to his teammates. “We were fully aware of the magnitude of the game, and we took to the pitch very determined and focused. We had prepared very well this week for the match. We showed a lot of character, a lot of grit and a lot of heart. We are now expected to perform in the match that will enable us to finish top of the group. A positive result and being seeded top would be very important for us. We will play at home in front of our fans, and we hope that a lot of them will attend the match and help us achieve this important win.” Darmian scored Italy’s third, and his first international goal. “I was highly thrilled and you could see that from my celebration with my teammates. We are now looking ahead; every time we take to the pitch we expect to win, and that will be the case against Norway too.” ]]>