Chelsea full-back Emerson Palmieri said Italy expect to face a ‘tough’ Poland at the Mapei Stadium but vowed the current crop will ‘give our all’.
It’s a particular situation for Italy, with coach Roberto Mancini in home isolation and many players who could respond to the call-up this month due to the coronavirus situation in the country.
Emerson is present and ready to ‘do everything to improve’ Italy’s position.
Chelsea full-back Emerson Palmieri said Italy expect to face a ‘tough’ Poland at the Mapei Stadium but vowed the current crop will ‘give our all’.
It’s a particular situation for Italy, with coach Roberto Mancini in home isolation and many players who could respond to the call-up this month due to the coronavirus situation in the country.
Emerson is present and ready to ‘do everything to improve’ Italy’s position.
“It’s not an easy moment, the coach is at home, but he’s always with us on video,” Emerson said at a press conference.
“We must do everything to improve, even for those who aren’t present.”
The left-back agreed there are ‘too many matches’ but stressed the current Azzurri squad are there to ‘give our all’.
“It’s true, there are too many matches, it’s a particular season,” he continued. “But when you are in the national team, you have to put those thoughts aside and we must give our all.
“Playing football is my passion, a game every three days makes me happy, but I also respect those who think differently.”
Italy are preparing for the UEFA Nations League meeting with Poland on Sunday and Emerson, who admitted he doesn’t know if he will move away from London in January, expects another ‘tough’ battle.
“We expect a match against a tough team, as it was in the first leg. Despite our efforts, we were unable to win then.
“I’m not playing much at Chelsea, but I’m calm and confident and I think things will improve later. Let’s see what the situation is like in two months, and if I’ll continue in London or elsewhere."