David Alaba says it’s ‘a dream come true’ for Austria to face Italy at Euro 2020 and explains why his teammates will take the knee before kick-off. ‘It’s a signal to draw attention to racism.’
It kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday at 20.00 UK time, with the winners going on to face either Belgium or Portugal in the quarter-final.
“It is a special game and we want to do well,” assured the defender in his press conference.
“I’ve won at Wembley, so I have very good memories of this stadium. I expect a wonderful game and I remember the atmosphere from the Champions League Final, but tomorrow will be special for Austria and we can’t wait to get out there.
“I don’t need to tell the lads how to treat certain situations. Some might ask me for advice, but we have others who have played at this level and I am not concerned.
“This is a dream come true, for Austria to play a Round of 16 in a Euros against Italy.”
This is the first time that Austria have ever made it to the last 16 in the European Championship.
While Italy do not seem as if they will take the knee ahead of kick-off, Alaba explains why Austria feel it is important to do so.
“Obviously, it is a clear signal. We all agree this is a signal to draw attention to a very important issue. People have been talking more about the issue of racism since this protest began, and that is something positive.”