David Alaba and Franco Foda warn Italy about Austria: ‘Perhaps there will come a time when they lose again.’
The Azzurri meet Austria at Wembley in the Euro 2020 round of 16 on Saturday.
Italy topped their group with three wins from three, while Austria finished second behind the Netherlands with six points in three games.
Italy haven’t lost in their last 30 games, but Austria coach Franco Foda hopes Roberto Mancini’s unbeaten run can finish next weekend.
“In this phase of the tournament, there are no easy opponents. We know that. Italy haven’t lost for an eternity, but perhaps there will come a time when they lose again,” the German tactician told Euro2020.com.
“It will be important for us to prepare with focus and recover, then we will do everything we can to win in London. It will be tough, but the team is eager and ready.”
Austria captain David Alaba thinks the same as his coach and reckons ‘anything is possible in football.
“This feels very good. We are really happy that we got it done today. That was our main goal and we are delighted to have achieved that,” he told ARD.
“We’ve all seen how Italy played in the group stages. But we are here to dream and I believe anything is possible in football.”
Austria have not beaten Italy since 1960 losing ten of their last 13 meetings.