Armando Izzo admits he “didn’t expect to start” Italy’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Finland, but he hopes to “be back in future!”

The Torino centre-back was used as a right-back, effectively remaining in defence while Emerson Palmieri first and then Alessandro Florenzi were allowed to push up constantly down the left.

Armando Izzo admits he “didn’t expect to start” Italy’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Finland, but he hopes to “be back in future!”

The Torino centre-back was used as a right-back, effectively remaining in defence while Emerson Palmieri first and then Alessandro Florenzi were allowed to push up constantly down the left.

“I didn’t expect to start, especially as the Coach always gives the line-up at the last minute. I am very happy,” Izzo old Rai Sport.

“I felt confident from the start, as the Coach treats everyone the same way, my teammates make me feel part of the side and I felt good.”

The Azzurri emerged 2-1 winners in Tampere thanks to Ciro Immobile’s header and a Jorginho penalty, although Teemu Pukki had temporarily equalised with a spot-kick.

“We played very well, as Finland are a tough team, they counter-attack very quickly, but we did well to allow them no reference points and block them off.

“I hope to be back in the starting XI in future!”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector