Daniele De Rossi assures “my physical condition is excellent” as he reflected on Italy’s Euro 2016 preparations. “It’s probably the hardest I’ve ever worked”.
De Rossi was selected for the European Championship, despite concerns over an Achilles injury he picked up shortly before the squad was announced, but he insists he is raring to go in France, even if he could have been more responsible for his body last season.
Daniele De Rossi assures “my physical condition is excellent” as he reflected on Italy’s Euro 2016 preparations. “It’s probably the hardest I’ve ever worked”.
De Rossi was selected for the European Championship, despite concerns over an Achilles injury he picked up shortly before the squad was announced, but he insists he is raring to go in France, even if he could have been more responsible for his body last season.
“My physical condition is excellent, despite the discomfort in my tendon,” he said at a Press conference.
“The discomfort came back due to the pitches being a little heavy, so the tendon became inflamed, but I’m fine on an athletic level.
“Conte tries to motivate the team as best he can. We’re not the favourites, but we have the pride to do well. We’re a good team, and we have to believe that we can beat any team.
“Conte makes a big point about fitness. For him, it was a question mark because I’d never had the type problems I’ve had this season previously. I had to play a different role.
“I’ll decide with the next Coach on whether to continue or not with the national team. I’ve left the door open.
“What’s certain is that I won’t leave the national team, unless I suffer from serious physical problems.
“The work we’re doing is hard, probably the hardest I’ve ever done. We can take advantage of the fitness part for the European Championship.
“Working a lot on the video aspect is important because it allows you to know where your teammates will be.
“Having a Coach who teaches you tactics is an advantage and as such should be taken advantage of.
“I had problems in my calf, flexor and ankle during the season. I picked up a couple of injuries because I didn’t think about the Euros, only Roma.
“I wanted to return too soon, as in the match against Real Madrid. I could’ve stayed at home, but we were still able to finish second and I didn’t want to leave the team.”