Claudio Marchisio believes playing Croatia behind closed doors will help Italy, although ‘it’s never nice’.
UEFA decreed that the game must be played in an empty stadium, after racist chanting by Croatia fans against Norway in Zagreb in a previous Euro 2016 qualifier.
“If you look at the table, we’re below them,” Marchisio pointed out in a Press conference at Coverciano.
Claudio Marchisio believes playing Croatia behind closed doors will help Italy, although ‘it’s never nice’.
UEFA decreed that the game must be played in an empty stadium, after racist chanting by Croatia fans against Norway in Zagreb in a previous Euro 2016 qualifier.
“If you look at the table, we’re below them,” Marchisio pointed out in a Press conference at Coverciano.
“They’re a complete side which has improved a lot in recent years. They have very experienced players, as they’re showing in these qualifiers, it will be a very tough game.
“The fact it’s behind closed doors will help us out, although it’s never nice, a full stadium stirs more emotions.”
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was a key part of the Azzurri setup under Cesare Prandelli, but has yet to be capped by Antonio Conte.
“I hope he can get back on track. Any career has ups and downs, I hope he can find an important role, whatever team he plays for.”