Antonio Conte defended Thiago Motta’s performance and warned Italy “need to improve the tempo, intensity and some tactical situations.”
The Azzurri earned a 2-0 win over Finland in Verona this evening, as Antonio Candreva converted a penalty and set up Daniele De Rossi’s header in the last test before Euro 2016.
“We are working, I confirm what I said before, which is we must take it one game at a time,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
Antonio Conte defended Thiago Motta’s performance and warned Italy “need to improve the tempo, intensity and some tactical situations.”
The Azzurri earned a 2-0 win over Finland in Verona this evening, as Antonio Candreva converted a penalty and set up Daniele De Rossi’s header in the last test before Euro 2016.
“We are working, I confirm what I said before, which is we must take it one game at a time,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
“We won these two friendlies, we have another week of work before Belgium, so we must try to improve the tempo, intensity and some tactical situations.
“I can say for certain that this group of lads is made up of good men and very good players. In such brief tournaments, you need the players to be happy with each other and it’s very satisfying for me to see them get along so well.
“I cannot fault the effort they are putting in.”
Thiago Motta seemed disappointing and his replacement De Rossi stepped up the tempo considerably as well as finding smart passes and a goal.
“It’s inevitable that some arrived in better conditions and some worse. I think Thiago Motta played 60 minutes at a good tempo, inevitably he needs to grow his fitness levels.
“I hope above all that Italy can achieve good results for the players, not for me.
“We have lots of chances, but need perhaps to get a lucky goal so these lads can improve their self-esteem. I have no complaints, as they are giving their all.
“I know we need to improve, that the tournament is an uphill struggle, but also that we have a squad that will give its all.
“Impossible is nothing? Absolutely. I reaffirm we must not set objectives or targets. We have to take it one game at a time and arrive where we deserve to arrive. The one thing I hope is that we end the competition without regrets.”
Giampiero Ventura will be announced as the new Italy Coach tomorrow, taking over after Euro 2016.
“The Federation has made its decision and I think they made the best choice. Right now I have to focus on the present and not the future.”