“Italy were close to glory” at Euro 2016 and Giampiero Ventura can “continue the work begun by Antonio Conte,” said FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio.
The Azzurri beat Spain, Belgium and Sweden in the tournament before capitulating to Germany in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out.
“We started out with great hunger and realised that at the foundation of everything must be dedication,” Tavecchio told reporters today.
“Italy were close to glory” at Euro 2016 and Giampiero Ventura can “continue the work begun by Antonio Conte,” said FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio.
The Azzurri beat Spain, Belgium and Sweden in the tournament before capitulating to Germany in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out.
“We started out with great hunger and realised that at the foundation of everything must be dedication,” Tavecchio told reporters today.
“I was with the team for a month and the Nazionale was made up of an incredible cohesive unit. Unfortunately, Italy only went close to glory.”
There were costly errors from the spot in the shoot-out by Simone Zaza and Graziano Pellè.
“When you get there to take the penalty kick, some have cool heads and some do not,” continued Tavecchio.
“It must be said that when Gigi Buffon was embracing everyone in the centre-circle, he told them to shoot hard and central, but instead…”
Italy make their debut under new Coach Ventura in a friendly against France on September 1, then visit Israel for their first 2018 World Cup opener.
“I expect consistency from Ventura’s Nazionale. The Coach was chosen with specific criteria. I think Ventura is capable of continuing the work begun by Conte. That means sacrifice, team spirit and togetherness.
“It will be a prestigious friendly against France and open to any result.”