Antonio Conte confirmed “seven to nine changes” against the Republic of Ireland, but “if Italy lose, the trouble starts again.”
The Azzurri complete the group phase of Euro 2016 on Wednesday evening in Lille, having already secured top spot.
“Can Italy win the Euros? Let’s not start popping champagne corks,” smirked Conte in a Press conference.
Antonio Conte confirmed “seven to nine changes” against the Republic of Ireland, but “if Italy lose, the trouble starts again.”
The Azzurri complete the group phase of Euro 2016 on Wednesday evening in Lille, having already secured top spot.
“Can Italy win the Euros? Let’s not start popping champagne corks,” smirked Conte in a Press conference.
“Let us start from one important point: humility is part of intelligence. We must not forget our strengths and our weaknesses. We have started on the right track, but must not lose our way or fall into such a silly trap. We’d be idiots.
“Therefore, as far as I am concerned, this is an important lead-up to the game. We are facing a tough and physical Ireland and it doesn’t matter if we have already qualified.
“The lads know that this isn’t an issue, as in the group phase we played against Norway when already qualified and forced them into the play-offs.
“We take it one game at a time and try to win. Winning helps you to win, it is not a relaxed build-up. If Italy lose, the trouble starts up again, we know that very well.”
Having said that, Conte will completely rotate the squad for this match ahead of the Round of 16 tie on June 27.
“There will be between seven and nine changes. I am very concentrated and this is an important game for us. Italy is one squad and that is why I am on high alert for tomorrow. There are no reserves here, just 23 players who win and lose together, including the Coach and staff.
“All my choices are pondered, not to diminish the importance of the game. I too had certain beliefs that were changed after the game with Sweden.
“Choices will be made to prove how much we care about this match, which is not pointless. A victory would give us more confidence and belief. It’s not to create first or second choice players, as I don’t like that approach.
“We’ll try to field a balanced line-up, otherwise we’d risk problems. We need a response from this game and choices will be made also based on that.”
Will Federico Bernardeschi start tomorrow?
“In the one-on-one we need someone who can create superiority, like Antonio Candreva, Stephan El Shaarawy and Alessandro Florenzi. They have particular characteristics when it comes to taking men on, as you can’t rely on tactics for that.
“Bernardeschi has these characteristics and certainly has potential. It’s up to him to continue along this path and work for another step up.
“Tomorrow I expect a team performance, not from individuals. We would be going against our principles otherwise. We win and lose together.
“Ireland beat Germany in qualifying, they all help each other out and it’ll be their game of a lifetime, so we don’t want to be embarrassed.”
The turf in Lille will be re-laid on Friday, but first Italy and Ireland must play on this dire playing surface.
“It is not a pitch suited to a European Championship and certainly not in a great condition, but I don’t like to give the lads alibis,” added Conte.
“Therefore tomorrow we’ll be playing on the same surface as Ireland. It’s a shame, obviously, as the Euros have been organised well, but this turf is not up to the standards of the tournament and is frankly unexpected.”