“We are all very motivated and want to do well,” Francesco Bardi said. “We had a great squad two years ago, as well; we are a tight-knit group of players and we have no intention of stopping now. We will face Sweden in two days and we want to give our all right from the start. I don’t think there is a favourite team to win the tournament, we want to show that Italian young players have the quality to go the distance.”
Chievo Verona’s goalie can rely on two great colleagues such as Nicola Leali and Marco Sportiello, both of which were regular starters at their respective clubs during last Serie A season. “We have all grown during the last few years,” added Leali, “we all deserve to be here. We know every game will be difficult but we are ready. The team spirit will be decisive, both on and off the pitch. Francesco [Bardi] deserves to start, but I am working hard to be ready if the team needs me”.
After having an impressive season with Atalanta, Sportiello is happy to be part of the squad. “I am very enthusiastic, it will be a great experience for me and I am training hard every day,” concluded Sportiello. “I am a newcomer here, but adapting has been very easy so far. I know I have had a good season, hopefully we can go all the way through at this European Championship”.
Goalkeepers: 1 Bardi (Chievo Verona), 20 Leali (Cesena), 14 Sportiello (Atalanta);
Defenders: 12 Barba (Empoli), 13 Bianchetti (Spezia), 3 Biraghi (Chievo Verona), 17 Izzo (Genoa), 6 Romagnoli (Sampdoria), 5 Rugani (Empoli), 2 Sabelli (Bari), 22 Zappacosta (Atalanta);
Midfielders: 16 Baselli (Atalanta), 18 Battocchio (Virtus Entella), 15 Benassi (Torino), 21 Cataldi (Lazio), 4 Crisetig (Cagliari), 8 Sturaro (Juventus), 7 Viviani (Latina);
Forwards: 9 Belotti (Palermo), 10 Berardi (Sassuolo), 11 Bernardeschi (Fiorentina), 19 Trotta (Avellino), 23 Verdi (Empoli).
Italy’s schedule
Tuesday, 16th June
13:15 CEST Press conference at the “S-port Veska” Hotel in Olomouc (players)
18:00 CEST Training session at the C.S. Holice, in Olomouc – (behind closed doors)
Wednesday, 17th June
16:30 CEST Press conference at the “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc
17:30 CEST Light workout session at the “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc before kick-off (MD-1).
Thursday, 18th June
18:00 CEST ITALY vs. SWEDEN, “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc
Press conference to follow
Friday, 19th June
11:00 CEST Training session at the C.S. Holice, in Olomouc – (behind closed doors)
13:15 CEST Press conference at the “S-port Veska” Hotel in Olomouc (players)
Saturday, 20th June
19:45 CEST Press conference at the “City Stadium” in Uherske Hradiste
20:30 CEST Light workout session at the “City Stadium” in Uherske Hradiste before kick-off (MD-1).
Sunday, 21st June
20:45 CEST ITALY vs. PORTUGAL, “City Stadium” in Uherske Hradiste
Press conference to follow
Monday, 22nd June
11:00 CEST Training session at the C.S. Holice, in Olomouc
13:15 CEST Press conference at the “S-port Veska” Hotel in Olomouc (players)
Tuesday, 23rd June
18:45 CEST Press conference at the “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc
19:30 CEST Light workout session at the “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc before kick-off (MD-1).
Wednesday, 24th June
20:45 CEST ENGLAND vs. ITALY, “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc
Press conference to follow