Ciro Immobile is prepared to face Macedonia “with the dagger between my teeth,” but forgives Italy teammate Graziano Pellè.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Skopje on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“I am fairly satisfied with what we did against Spain. We needed a bit more sharpness in attack, because by the end we had run really hard. I am happy to have come on and helped contribute to the result,” Immobile told Rai Sport of the 1-1 draw.
Ciro Immobile is prepared to face Macedonia “with the dagger between my teeth,” but forgives Italy teammate Graziano Pellè.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Skopje on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“I am fairly satisfied with what we did against Spain. We needed a bit more sharpness in attack, because by the end we had run really hard. I am happy to have come on and helped contribute to the result,” Immobile told Rai Sport of the 1-1 draw.
The Lazio striker replaced Pellè, who then refused to shake Coach Giampiero Ventura’s hand and has since been frozen out of the Nazionale.
“These things happen, especially when matches are so tense. I know Pellè and he’s a good lad, so this gesture was certainly not nasty. He knows that he showed a lack of respect to us and the Coach, so understood his error.
“Ventura has always been a determined tactician, but this decision was made along with the Federation to set an example to the rest of the squad.”
Immobile is expected to start upfront against Macedonia alongside his former Torino teammate Andrea Belotti.
“I am relaxed, as I know this will be a tough and important game. Macedonia are going to be a rough opponent and playing abroad in Europe is always difficult.
“I am ready to get out there with the dagger between my teeth.”