Italy Under-21 Coach Luigi Di Biagio has warned his team not to underestimate closing Euro 2015 group stage qualification opponents Cyprus.
The Azzurrini know that a win at home to the Cypriots at Castel di Sangro on Tuesday would clinch top spot in Group 9 and a place in the play-offs, as current top spot Belgium have already played their final game.
Speaking in his pre-game Press conference, the Italians’ Coach has warned that whilst his side are favourites to collect the three points, they must be switched on.
Italy Under-21 Coach Luigi Di Biagio has warned his team not to underestimate closing Euro 2015 group stage qualification opponents Cyprus.
The Azzurrini know that a win at home to the Cypriots at Castel di Sangro on Tuesday would clinch top spot in Group 9 and a place in the play-offs, as current top spot Belgium have already played their final game.
Speaking in his pre-game Press conference, the Italians’ Coach has warned that whilst his side are favourites to collect the three points, they must be switched on.
“On paper it is a simple game, but we will have to be good so as not to complicate it,” Di Biagio has told reporters today.
“We have to win at all costs and will try to close the game immediately, otherwise we risk facing a tough ask, as we did in the first game [against Cyprus, eventually won 2-0].”
Friday saw Italy also make hard work of Serbia, s they had to fight back from an early 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 thanks to goals from Andrea Belotti and Domenico Berardi.
Whilst Cyprus have lost all their away games in the group, Di Biagio isn’t getting carried away.
“We will absolutely avoid the oversights we had in the first 10 minutes on Friday [against Serbia].
“But we will have the same ruthlessness as we did against Serbia. In the first round of games everyone struggled against Cyprus, which is why it will be crucial to always be in the game, keeping attention to the maximum.”