Antonio Conte has warned his Italy players not to take their Euro 2016 qualification for granted, as he pays respect to Azerbaijan.
Berti Vogts’ side are at the Renzo Barbera tomorrow evening very much as the underdogs in this qualifying match, but with the Azzurri’s CT keen that his players don’t relax.
“Anyone who knows me knows that there are no easy matches,” Conte has told reporters in his Press conference.
Antonio Conte has warned his Italy players not to take their Euro 2016 qualification for granted, as he pays respect to Azerbaijan.
Berti Vogts’ side are at the Renzo Barbera tomorrow evening very much as the underdogs in this qualifying match, but with the Azzurri’s CT keen that his players don’t relax.
“Anyone who knows me knows that there are no easy matches,” Conte has told reporters in his Press conference.
“On paper it may be so, it may also be so in the 90 minutes. But, football has evolved over the world, there are no more destitute nations.
“You have to be alert, because Azerbaijan lost to Bulgaria only three minutes from the end. They will want to do well playing against Italy.
“We will have to do things in the game from the first to the 95th minute. And I hope that at the end of the game it is said that it was an easy task.
“I have seen Azerbaijan’s games this year, the one with Bulgaria but also the friendlies played before the World Cup with Russia, with the United States.
“We are very informed about Azerbaijan.
“I have a fixed idea on the starting line-up in mind, but the two wing-backs are important because they will play again in three days. I will make decisions based on the type of game we are going to play.
“The boys have trained well, with great self-sacrifice and already in an important manner taking on board the style of play that we want to develop. The atmosphere is good, the boys are on track.”
It was put to Conte that the new qualification format makes things a lot easier for Italy
“No, absolutely not. Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today. I have always said this to my players. We believe in achieving qualification as soon as possible.
“Is there a risk though in a drop in focus with the national team? It is a danger that the national team always runs, as they have in previous years.
“The events in the League somewhat darken a little these commitments that we have. The guys need to know that it is up to us completely.
“We have lit a small fire of enthusiasm. We have to give the feelings to the public through the desire, determination and passion that we put in ourselves.”
Conte was talking alongside Andrea Pirlo, who revealed he has returned to the national set-up due to the CT’s presence.
“Tomorrow Andrea plays because he is well, but there is also Marchisio.
“I was in doubt because he had not played for a month but against Roma I saw that he was good. He has been important for me at Juventus, and I am sure he will be in the national team.”