Italy Under-21 Coach Gigi Di Biagio said “Sweden brings me luck” ahead of the opening Euro Championship tie.
The Azzurrini begin their tournament in the Czech Republic on Thursday, kicking off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“Sweden brings me luck, as I scored against them in 2000 and in 1998 earned a spot in the World Cup squad on their turf,” smiled Di Biagio in his Press conference.
“We have been preparing for this moment for two years and are ready to face this situation in the best way possible.
Italy Under-21 Coach Gigi Di Biagio said “Sweden brings me luck” ahead of the opening Euro Championship tie.
The Azzurrini begin their tournament in the Czech Republic on Thursday, kicking off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“Sweden brings me luck, as I scored against them in 2000 and in 1998 earned a spot in the World Cup squad on their turf,” smiled Di Biagio in his Press conference.
“We have been preparing for this moment for two years and are ready to face this situation in the best way possible.
“We are not afraid of Sweden, but they are certainly a side to be admired. We will be hugely motivated and one more reason came from seeing Italy drop down the FIFA ranking. We want to raise Italian football back to the top.”
Like senior Coach Antonio Conte, Di Biagio seems to have embraced the 4-3-3 system.
“I have three or four doubts, maybe even two that I will carry with me until tomorrow morning. Things could change overnight.
“I explained to the lads that in a tournament like this there can be surprises at any moment. It’s a fundamental game, but not a decisive one.”
It’s reported one of the doubts is in defence between Spezia’s Matteo Bianchetti and Sampdoria’s Alessio Romagnoli.
In midfield either Daniele Baselli of Atalanta or Lazio starlet Danilo Cataldi will start.
As for the trident attack, Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi is the favourite over Marcello Trotta.