Italy face Portugal in the Under-21 European Championship quarter-final tomorrow and coach Paolo Nicolato admits they ‘are not favourites, but we don’t care.’
The game kicks off on Monday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“We are not starting out as favourites, but we don’t care, the pitch will do the talking,” said Nicolato in his press conference.
Portugal won all three games in Group D and beat Italy the last time they played a quarter-final in 1996, although that was over two legs.
“I want the team to be courageous. We’ve got a few problems upfront, but must have the determination to stay in the game and keep going.
“We mustn’t be afraid of anyone, facing every match intelligently. I don’t believe any one team will dominate another, but rather there will be various moments of the game that need to be read properly. Getting the right attitude is the most important thing.”
Giacomo Raspadori returned to the Under-21 side after a spell with the senior squad and has not been ruled out of the running for Euro 2020 either.
“Raspadori did train with us, but I don’t know if he’ll be able to start. Youssef Maleh needs a few days to rest after the promotion play-offs with Venezia, it was a very emotional situation for him.”