Italy captain Matteo Bianchetti is “not remotely afraid” of Sweden’s strikers for the European Under-21 Championship opener.
The Azzurrini face Sweden on Thursday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), while the group is completed by England and Portugal.
“This is my second European Championship, but I do not feel myself to be a leader of this team,” said the Spezia defender in a Press conference.
Italy captain Matteo Bianchetti is “not remotely afraid” of Sweden’s strikers for the European Under-21 Championship opener.
The Azzurrini face Sweden on Thursday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), while the group is completed by England and Portugal.
“This is my second European Championship, but I do not feel myself to be a leader of this team,” said the Spezia defender in a Press conference.
“I feel important for the group, but everyone here wants to get to the top. We were well-prepared two years ago as well, we’re an excellent squad and have improved a great deal over the last two seasons.”
Italy reached the Final of the European Under-21 Championship in 2013, losing to Spain, so hope to go one better this time round.
They open their campaign against Sweden, so Bianchetti was asked about their star players.
“I am not remotely afraid of any of them,” he insisted. “It’s true to say John Guidetti and Isaac Thelin are an excellent strike partnership and Oscar Hiljemark is a great player in the middle of the park.”