Domenico Berardi insists the Italy ‘spirit remains the same’ as the one that allowed them to become Champions of Europe, despite having to go through the World Cup play-offs.
It was only four months ago that the Azzurri lifted the UEFA EURO 2020 trophy at Wembley Stadium, beating England on penalties, but they have looked fatigued in recent weeks and were beaten to the top of the group by Switzerland.
“We knew that it was difficult coming here, we gave our all and were unable to score,” Berardi told RAI Sport after the 0-0 draw in Belfast.
“It’s disappointing we didn’t already seal the group earlier. We have to roll our sleeves up, prepare for March and book our spot at the World Cup.”
The Sassuolo player was asked if Italy can rediscover the spirit that they had over the summer in the Euros.
“The spirit remains the same. It’s a difficult moment, unfortunately that’s how football goes, sometimes luck is against you.
“We need to be ready for March and do everything possible to qualify via the play-offs.”
Italy already missed the 2018 World Cup by losing the play-offs to Sweden.
The situation is even more complicated now, as only three of the 12 sides in the play-offs will reach the tournament in Qatar.
“We care a great deal about being there, we will give our best and I am sure we’ll make it.”
Italy will be seeded in the draw for the World Cup play-offs, but the route to the competition is still a difficult one and they will have to wait until March for a verdict.
Utterly Shameful, from the absolute highs to the absolute low. These players should be Embarrassed. How they’ve fallen so far is astounding. Humilation of not topping a group like ours. Hate scapegoating but most of this is on Jorginho. His arrogance and showboating has cost us. No way we winning the play offs. Now we have a painful 4 months ( a lifetime) to have confirmed we are not making the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. As far as im concerned its over. Our injuries are either gonna be better or likely worse by then given the domestic season schedules. Looks like Buonanotte to a 2nd consecutive world cup. Oh well being European Champions for another 3 years will keep me going! Still will take me a while to get over this :/
Overcoming the playoff memories of 2018 will be a good thing for strengthening this Azzurri further.
O’Dio, I feel your frustration Santino!
This new play-off format is a lot more challenging in that you
MUST win two games! Having said that remember that Italy are very hard to beat outright! Only Spain was able to beat them over the last 40 some odd matches. The bad news is, we tie a lot of games…..more than we should! So, the bottom line is…..Italy better start practicing their spot kicks because I’m sure either semi or final or both in their group will go to kicks!!
There is penalty shoot-out after any match draw in play-off.
So… Addio, Qatar amd Jorginho!
It’s only human, but people should not react emotionally and hang their heads. There is still opportunity ahead, Win two games and they are in the tournament. Mental toughness is needed. The qualification rounds were indeed draining coming after a Euro tournament like the one of this past summer. It will depend on the preparation that Mancini is able to design and to recreate the team spirit that seems to have dissipated over the last four months. Worrisome is the fact that they have lost their scoring touch. Let’s see who is hot over the next five months and get those players on the team. Confidence has to be refreshed. They have the ability. Do they have the necessary mental toughness? I think they will.