Di Biagio invited his squad to set aside what happened against Sweden, although that defeat and the three-game ban for Sturaro after his red card, will make Italy’s task more difficult: “We will evaluate what is the best thing to do. The main thing now is to concentrate on tomorrow’s game against Portugal. It’s a pity we didn’t score the second goal when Sweden were down to ten men, but it’s no point thinking about it now.”
Antonio Conte will watch the game live from the stands tomorrow night, meaning extra motivation for the Azzurrini. Berardi is sure about it: “We are all very motivated and his presence will help us too. We can’t miss this chance and we won’t. After losing to Sweden we are over a barrel, but we are all determined to remain here until the end of the tournament. I believe in our quality, although I know that Portugal are a very good team, which play good football. We will have to work hard and get back on track: we are wearing Italy’s shirt and we are representing our country, I am very proud of it and it’s a dream come true”.
Group B: results, schedule and table
18th June ITALY 1-2 Sweden
18th June England 0-1 Portugal
21st June ITALY vs. Portugal
21st June Sweden vs. England
24th June ITALY vs. England
24tg June Portugal vs. Sweden
Table: Sweden and Portugal 3 points, England and ITALY 0
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
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
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