Bayern Munich Coach Carlo Ancelotti is “confident” Italy will make it to the World Cup, and defends Marco Verratti.
The Azzurri took four points from Spain and Macedonia, but were unconvincing in both encounters over the international break.
“Of course the national team had problems against Macedonia on Sunday,” Ancelotti admitted to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Eventually they fought and won though, and that’s what counts in a transitional period with young people.
Bayern Munich Coach Carlo Ancelotti is “confident” Italy will make it to the World Cup, and defends Marco Verratti.
The Azzurri took four points from Spain and Macedonia, but were unconvincing in both encounters over the international break.
“Of course the national team had problems against Macedonia on Sunday,” Ancelotti admitted to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Eventually they fought and won though, and that’s what counts in a transitional period with young people.
“The fact they turned the game around bodes well, it’s a difficult group but I’m confident. I bet with the Spanish here that we’d win in Turin. It ended in a draw but there’s always the return leg…
“I think Italy will make it. They can play for everything in the second match against Spain, and then there’s the route through the play-offs.”
Marco Verratti made a mistake in the Macedonia game, and Ancelotti offered his opinion having worked with the midfielder at Paris Saint-Germain.
“His strength is his strong personality that sometimes causes him to make these kind of mistakes. They are part of the growth of a player like him.
“He loves to take risks, and that’s a strength of his, he feels very confident. He shouldn’t be crucified, some things are part of his game, with experience he’ll become stronger and limit the mistakes.
“He’ll become a foundation stone, and not just for Italian football, in the next few years.”