Lorenzo Insigne is relaxed about his injury and values the experience the European Under-21 Championship will provide him this summer.
Lorenzo Insigne is relaxed about his injury and values the experience the European Under-21 Championship will provide him this summer.
The Napoli youngster was one of a number of players selected for Italy’s Under-21 campaign this summer in Isreal that may have had a chance to instead have gone with Cesare Prandelli’s senior squad to the Confederations Cup.
Even so, Insigne is happy to be basing his international commitments this summer in Tel-Aviv.
“I’m happy to be here,” the 21-year-old told reporters today.
“I’ve always said that the Confederations Cup is a great competition, but, for my growth I would prefer to play in the European Under-21 Championship
“We came here to get to the final.”
The striker caused concern in training yesterday by cutting short his participation with a sprained knee.
“My injury? I’m a bit better today, I will try some training too, the final choice on if I play will be up to the Coach.
“This morning I underwent some physio and some work in the water, we’ll see how it goes over the next few days.”
Insigne is one of a few notable names in the Azzurrini squad to have already been capped at full international level. Mattia Destro and Marco Verratti are two more.
“Marco and Mattia will provide us with an important contribution, they are two key players who have experience with the senior team.
“To win the European Championship, however, you need not only one player, but a whole team.”
Devis Mangia’s side begin the competition this Wednesday evening against England.
“They are a physical team, there are many of my teammates, like Sansone and Florenzi, that can trouble their defence.
“I hope to see many people at the stadium and I hope that many fans will follow us back in Italy on the television.”