Ciro Immobile comes to the defence of Italy CT Giampiero Ventura – “I know him well, he just needs time”.
The Lazio striker worked with the Azzurri Coach at Torino, and ahead of the World Cup play-off with Sweden he spoke to UEFA’s official website.
“We knew it would be hard to get through with Spain, we met one of the strongest teams in the world and we knew it was difficult,” Immobile said.
Ciro Immobile comes to the defence of Italy CT Giampiero Ventura – “I know him well, he just needs time”.
The Lazio striker worked with the Azzurri Coach at Torino, and ahead of the World Cup play-off with Sweden he spoke to UEFA’s official website.
“We knew it would be hard to get through with Spain, we met one of the strongest teams in the world and we knew it was difficult,” Immobile said.
“We did everything, we knew when the group was drawn that there was a chance we’d finish second because Spain were in there too.
“Now we have the play-offs and we’ll do our best to get through them and go to the World Cup, if we don’t it’ll be a disappointment.
“We’re aware of our strength, and we know it’s difficult for the CT to only see us every once in a while. I know him well, he just needs time to get everything he has in mind into our heads.
“It’s not easy, but we always try to make ourselves available and do well.”
Immobile was asked about Gianluigi Buffon, who is trying to make it to his last World Cup.
“It would be his sixth, yes, yes it’s a record. In the dressing room we feel his presence, his personality and his desire to drag us, together with him, to this great competition.
“I’ve spent beautiful footballing periods with Buffon, and I was lucky to play with a great champion.
“He’ll definitely leave a huge void, a very heavy legacy. He’s been one of the best in the history of our football.”