Ciro Immobile wants to ‘cancel the past’ at UEFA Euro 2020 and claims he would give his two goals back to win the trophy.

The 31-year-old scored two goals in three appearances at the European Championships so far, but has often been criticised for underperforming with the Azzurri with whom he’s managed 15 goals in his career.

“I feel everybody’s trust, I feel really well now. We played a very good game against Austria, maybe not the best game, but we brought home the result,” the Lazio striker said at a press conference.

“I feel that everybody is trusting me, I’ve never felt this way. I should have scored more goals with the national team, but a victory can cancel the past and all the things that have been said. I am trying to cancel the past with the Euros,” he continued.

“The relationship with Mancini has improved and that’s important. I always try to give my best and Vialli is helping me so much too.”

Italy play their first international competition in five years as they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

 

“We felt empty inside when we were eliminated by Germany [at EURO 2016), but that was nothing compared to the draw against Sweden.

“It was the worst day of my career. I’ve had the strength to react and accept criticism. We have an important responsibility, Italy have won four World Cups, we must remain focus and play as we’ve done until now.”

The Azzurri will now face Romelu Lukaku’s Belgium in the quarter-finals of the European Championships, but both Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard could miss the game due to injuries.

The Azzurri beat Belgium five years ago in their EURO 2016 debut.

“Lukaku is so strong, but it’s good to know him well, our defenders will deal with him,” Immobile said.

“De Bruyne and Hazard always play a key role. Clearly, it could be a problem for them if they are not fully fit. They can shift the balance in any game, but we are going to prepare the match as they were 100 per cent fit. Whoever will replace them will do well.

“They have more experienced compared to five years ago and Lukaku has improved so much under Conte,” the Lazio striker continued.

Belgium had eliminated Portugal in the round of 16, but Immobile insisted the opponents make no difference at this stage.

“We didn’t support any of the two teams, they are both strong sides,” he claimed.

“Portugal may have deserved something more in the second half, but Belgium showed their potential in the first half.”

But can Italy go all the way through?

“I’d give my two goals back to win the cup. It’s not a cliche, it’s the truth. I tried to score against Austria, it didn’t get in because of some mistakes and because I was unlucky. It wasn’t an easy game, we are facing the best teams now.

“France’s elimination proves the Euros are difficult. The pitch always does the talking. We won and dominated against Switzerland making them look like a small team, yesterday they proved the contrary.”

Tickets Kit Collector