FIGC Vice-Commissioner Alessandro Costacurta sees more “enthusiasm” around Italy under Roberto Mancini, but has fitness concerns with Poland.
The UEFA Nations League campaign kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Click here for the line-ups and Liveblog.
FIGC Vice-Commissioner Alessandro Costacurta sees more “enthusiasm” around Italy under Roberto Mancini, but has fitness concerns with Poland.
The UEFA Nations League campaign kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Click here for the line-ups and Liveblog.
“Since Roberto arrived, there has been growing enthusiasm and he brought a great breath of fresh air after a difficult period,” Costacurta told Rai Sport and Sky Sport Italia.
“As Mancini said yesterday, everyone must have more courage to perhaps give Balotelli better service and then he can deliver the goals.”
Costacurta was asked whether it was better to play well against Poland this evening or to win the game.
“I think it’s important to win the game and we saw the problems that the Under-21 side had (in a 3-0 friendly defeat to Slovakia last night).
“There were some problems with fitness levels and at this stage when you face players who already have seven games under their belts, it will make a difference. I am concerned the Poland players this evening also have more minutes in their legs than many of ours.
“Having said that, we know what we want to do and want to get back to winning.”
The Lega Serie A has clashed with clubs, above all Fiorentina, after banning the use of personalised captain’s armbands, including the one dedicated to deceased Viola defender Davide Astori.
“My thought is that the rule is wrong. I think the captain’s armband should reflect anything the captain desires. But there are rules, I played with Davide and believe he would say to respect the rules.
“In Italy we are accustomed to talking about sensibility, but also famous as we don’t like to stick to rules. We can work with the Lega Serie A to change the rule, but while it’s there, why not respect it?”