Giovanni Di Lorenzo was on media duty before the Italy national team set off to face England at Wembley in Euro 2024 qualifying tomorrow evening, asserting his belief that the Azzurri have been in the right mindset throughout the international break.
Italy have played five of their eight scheduled matches in Group C of qualifying, and currently sit in second on 10 points, three shy of England at the top.
Ukraine also have 10 points and currency find themselves in third, but a positive result against England for Italy will provide breathing room between second and third, important given that the top two teams qualify for the tournament automatically.
Di Lorenzo, who, like coach Luciano Spalletti, gave an interview at Coverciano before setting off for London, said that the team have prepared in the best possible fashion for the England game.
He was also asked whether memories of the Euro 2020 final against England, at the same venue, will be a distraction for some members of the squad.
“It’s always beautiful remembering that game and that night, but we need to be able to put that to one side and look ahead to tomorrow’s match, which will be a difficult game, but we have prepared well for it and we’re ready,” he replied.
“We’ve had the right attitude all week, we’ve done well. In the game (against Malta) we did everything the coach asked of us, so everyone is ready, as we always have to be.”
He continued: “Tomorrow, we have a big opportunity, if we win, we will catch up with them (England) at the top of the group.
“We are focussed on tomorrow evening and not thinking too far ahead, but we’re ready for this big game tomorrow.”