Italy striker Andrea Belotti says the Azzurri wants to win the Euros and praises Roberto Mancini: ‘We are having fun…’
The Azzurri won the opening game of the European Championships on Friday against Turkey.
Belotti came off the bench in the second half to replace Ciro Immobile who had scored Italy’s second goal.
“There is a great sense of belonging, we all know how important this shirt is and how important it is to do well after hitting rock bottom by not qualifying for the World Cup,” Belotti told UEFA.com.
“We know which one is our duty and we also have a great desire for redemption, that’s why we always want to give something more. We know that we are all important, regardless if we start on the bench. The games last 90 minutes and anything can happen.”
Roberto Mancini was appointed in 2018 to replace Giampiero Ventura after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
“Mancini has been great, he has given self-confidence to all the players. It was something we were missing. He’s made us feel important. Even those who are not playing regularly feel the same, he is a great coach who has given us an identity. We have fun when we go on the pitch and do what we can do,” Belotti said.
But can the Azzurri win the Euros?
“We believe in it, that’s our target, we hit rock bottom by not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, and now we want to win this competition,” the 27-year-old admitted.
“We know we can do it, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and work together, focused on the target, in every game. That’s the only way we can reach the Final.”