Emerson Palmieri says he feels important with Italy, while things are not going as he expected at Chelsea.
The Italian with Brazilian passport started in Italy’s 0-0 draw against Poland and Roberto Mancini’s choice came as no surprise for him.
“When you play for the National Team, you always have to be ready. We are due to play three games in 10 days, when I knew I had to play I was happy but it came as no surprise.
“When I play with this shirt I have to give my best.”
Emerson Palmieri says he feels important with Italy, while things are not going as he expected at Chelsea.
The Italian with Brazilian passport started in Italy’s 0-0 draw against Poland and Roberto Mancini’s choice came as no surprise for him.
“When you play for the National Team, you always have to be ready. We are due to play three games in 10 days, when I knew I had to play I was happy but it came as no surprise.
“When I play with this shirt I have to give my best.”
The 26-year-old was given a call-up to Italy even if he is not a regular starter at Chelsea
“When I arrive here I change my head. I feel important and part of the group. At Chelsea things are not going as I wish in this part of the season. I just have to work.”
Italy managed to nullify Robert Lewandowski also thanks to a brilliant last-gasp tackle of Emerson in the first half.
“We are defenders, when we face players of this level, that tackle was almost like a goal. I am also happy for the defensive department, it was very important to stop someone like Lewandowski. We did not concede any goal and we must give value to it.”
Emerson came also close to scoring.
“I couldn’t score, it’s part of the game but I think there was a penalty on me. The defender moved me a little bit and I tried to stand and shoot. I did not see the images, but my feeling is that it could have been a penalty.”