Sturaro has been wearing the Azzurrini shirt for a year now; he made his debut for the team in a friendly against Montenegro at Castel di Sangro on 4th June 2014, which saw Italy prevail 4-0. Sturaro has already gotten over the recent disappointment in order to fully focus on the upcoming adventure with the U21s: “We’re aware,” he commented, “that it will tough, but we’re going to Czech Republic very much aware of our strengths. We’re not amongst the favourites, true, but this could turn out to be a positive. It will be a very interesting European Championship; the level is very high, there are outstanding teams and players. Germany, Serbia and England are true giants. Should I pick one favourite over all the other teams, I would say England. They’re physically strong and very well organised. As for us, rest assured that we’ll give always our all.” The whole squad, and especially Sturaro, do not lack motivation: “These days in the training camp are good for us to get to know each other even more, to try plays and train certain tactics. After losing the Champions League final, I’m even more motivated, I want to win something while wearing the Azzurri shirt. The EUROs will be an important showcase; it’s undoubtedly the best tournament in Europe for young players in order to draw attention to themselves.”
A double training session was scheduled today as well for the Azzurrini, who will play a practice match against the Inter U20s side at the Sports Centre “G.Facchetti” this Friday (16:30 CEST).   The Sports Centre “Angelo Moratti” in Appiano Gentile also saw the presence of FIGC CEO Michele Uva, who, after talking to Di Biagio and the team, visited the structure and was impressed by it: “I want to thank Inter’s President Thohir”, said Uva, “and General Director Fassone for hosting our U21s team ahead of the European Championship. The players felt at home here; I have seen and visited many sports centres and Appiano Gentile has been a welcome discovery. This centre is cutting edge.” Squad numbers:
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). Murru (Cagliari), Dezi (Crotone), Longo (Cagliari) will stay as reserves in the squad. Italy’s schedule Thursday, 11th June 10:30 CEST  Training session (behind closed doors) 17:00 CEST  Training session (behind closed doors) Friday, 12th June 17:00  CEST Test match at the C.S. “A. Moratti” (aperta Stampa) a press conference with the head coach will follow Saturday, 13th June 10:30 CEST Training session (behind closed doors) 14:00 CEST  Official photo of the team Sunday, 14th June 10:30 CEST  Training session (behind closed doors) 17:00 CEST  Training session (behind closed doors) Monday, 15th June 10:30 CEST  Training session (behind closed doors) 17:00 CEST  Flight AB Milan/Vienna and transfer to the “S-port Veska” hotel in Olomouc 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 1) In case of elimination from the tournament (4th placement in the group) Thursday, 25th June 8:00 CEST    Transfer to Vienna’s airport 12:00 CEST  Flight AZ Vienna/Rome Fco 2) In case of qualification to the semi-finals as runners-up in the group Thursday, 25th June 10:00 CEST  Transfer to Prague at the “Hotel International” 3) In case of qualification to the semi-finals as group winners The team will stay at the S-port Veska Hotel in Olomouc Saturday,  27th June 18:00 CEST              WB  vs RUA, “Ander Stadium” in Olomouc 4) In case of qualification playoff for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (3rd place in the group and England amongst the first two) The team will stay at the S-port Veska Hotel in Olomouc Sunday, 28th June 18:00 CEST  3RDA  vs 3RDB  “City Stadium” in Uherske Hradiste FINAL: 30th JUNE AT THE “EDEN STADIUM” IN PRAGUE (20:45 CEST) ]]>