Antonio Conte warned Italy “wasted too much” in their 2-1 victory over an Azerbaijan side that “came here to stop us playing.”
The Azzurri continued their winning streak under the new Coach at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo, even though they conceded their first goal.
Antonio Conte warned Italy “wasted too much” in their 2-1 victory over an Azerbaijan side that “came here to stop us playing.”
The Azzurri continued their winning streak under the new Coach at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo, even though they conceded their first goal.
“In all honesty, I have little to complain about, other than the fact the players weren’t determined enough in front of goal,” Conte told Rai Sport after this Euro 2016 qualifier.
“Azerbaijan didn’t have a shot other than the goal and scored out of nowhere with that bundle over the line.
“We reacted well, proving this team has what it takes.”
The Nazionale notched up three consecutive victories for the first time since October 2012.
“Giovinco was meant to replace Zaza, but then the equaliser arrived in an unexpected fashion. These are the typical games where you create so much, they defend and score at the first chance.
“We need to be more clinical, more determined and we wasted too much tonight. Zaza and Immobile had chances to score, they combined and worked for the team. I am happy with their approach.
“Today we saw a team that man-marked pretty much everyone. If Marchisio’s chance had gone in early on, that would’ve changed the game.
“Azerbaijan came here to stop us playing and hope to score from a set play. Their plan was actually working! We managed to scrape a small win, but deserved much more.”