Germany coach Hansi Flick underlined his surprise that Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar and suggested that the Azzurri are an unknown ahead of tomorrow’s Nations League clash.

The Azzurri will face off against Flick’s side tomorrow evening at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna, their first match following the painful 3-0 Finalissima loss to Argentina. That match was seen as the end of an era, so many fans are expecting a younger and more exciting squad in tomorrow’s clash.

Speaking in a press conference, Flick first discussed what kind of Italy he expects to face tomorrow.

“It’s not easy to assess them. Mancini has sent some players away, he has called up some young ones who are motivated.

“I don’t know if it’s an advantage for us or for the opponent, but he did a fantastic job with his team after the World Cup in Russia, they won the European Championship and we all supported the spirit they showed. We will try to put them under pressure, that’s how we want to play.”

He underlined his concerns regarding match fitness considering that the squad haven’t played for around three weeks.

“It’s not easy, we tried in training camp to simulate the match rhythm. It won’t be easy, also because there will be 30 degrees in Bologna. Luckily there are the five substitutions and then everyone wants to win it.”

The Germany coach commented on what kind of match he plans to play against the Azzurri.

“Matches at this level, with an open mind, is something else. I am curious to see the approach, the attitude. We have to give 100%, we want to be well prepared and show our game. We want to excite the fans, so we will try to play.”

Finally, Flick spoke about Italy’s failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. The team fatally lost to North Macedonia 1-0 in their play-off semi-final.

“We were all surprised that Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup, Mancini has done a fantastic job with Italy and I think there is faith in Mancini and it’s right to move forward with him. I can only wish him good luck, he has the qualities to repeat the success of the European Championship.”

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