It’s time. In just a few hours the U21s will take to the field in the European Championship against Sweden (kick-off 18:00 CEST). It’s time to show character and determination; two attributes what Di Biagio’s squad have. “Motivation is high. No one can underestimate a competition like that. We have prepared for this competition for two years and we are now ready to give it our all. Sweden can give us some problems. On a personal level I have nice memories of Sweden: I scored against them in 2000,” commented Di Biagio.
The tournament is about to start but there are some questions open about the line-up: “I have three or four formations in my mind. I will decide tomorrow. I explained to my players that in a tournament like this there could be always some surprises. The game will be important but not crucial tomorrow,” added Di Biagio.
U21 captain Matteo Bianchetti is one of the most experienced players. He made his debut for the U21s in a friendly against Germany on February 2013. He also played at the 2013 European Championship in Israel, where Italy came second: “We were well prepared also two years ago like this time: a nice group, we know us and we improved a lot in the last two years. We feel ready to give it our all. This is my second European Championship but I do not feel like the leader. I feel important for the squad and part of the team, where there are many young players, who want reach the best possible,” said Bianchetti.
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).
Italy’s schedule
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