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Matteo Darmian addresses the media at a press conference from Casa Azzurri in Iserlohn today.
Football Italia is among the accredited media at Casa Azzurri today, Saturday, June 22, 2024, where Inter defender Darmian will talk at a press conference two days after a 1-0 loss to Spain.
Reports in Italy suggest Darmian is a possible starter against Croatia on Monday in the final EURO 2024 group B match.
Darmian was introduced from the bench in the second half of the opening games against Albania but was an unused substitute against Spain in Gelsenchirken this past Thursday.
A win or a draw against Croatia will allow Italy to qualify for the Round of 16, but the Azzurri may also go through with a defeat as one of the best third-placed teams. However, in that case, their destiny would not be in their hands.
Darmian’s press conference from Casa Azzurri kicks off at 13:30 CET (11:30 GMT). The team will train later this afternoon, but reporters won’t be allowed in.
Follow Darmian’s press conference below.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Football Italia YouTube Channel to join our pre and post-match shows before and after Italy games at EURO 2024.
End of Darmian’s press conference
“It’s not the moment to talk about the differences between two teams. What we must do is focus on ourselves and what we must do against Croatia, knowing that it’s an important game for us and our journey. We’ll try to prepare it in the best way.”
“I think their rage and desire must be the same as ours’. We must have the right attitude, desire and determination and go on the pitch with attention. We can progress and we want to do it at all costs to continue in this competition.”
“It’s up to the coach. His decisions will be for the team’s good. I’ve always been available and I’ll do my best if I’m called upon.”
“We don’t talk about it because it’s too early. It would not be fair to talk about it and it’s not fine to think that we have two results available against Croatia. We must play to win.”
“The coach makes decisions; we are at his disposal to do our best. Of course, a player like Francesco, for his qualities, can help any team. But there are lads who are ready to replace him and who have proved they can stay in this group.”
“The coach told us what he thought. We didn’t play as we expected, but we must be aware of our strength, too, starting with the Croatia game. I think other national teams may have more individual qualities than us, but as a group, we have important qualities, and we want to prove so.”
“Balance is always necessary. Surely we must learn from mistakes and continue improving every day in training to transform this disappointment into positive energy for an important game v. Croatia.”
“I don’t think it’s a problem [to play with a different system]. All my teammates have important qualities. The system with our clubs doesn’t count much. What matters is what the gaffer wants and trying to bring it to the pitch.”
“Of course, there is always disappointment and regret after a defeat. We wanted to do well against a strong side that caused trouble for us. We must learn from defeats and not repeat the same errors, playing with the same desire and determination to win and qualify for the next round.”
“We’ll try to play our game regardless of the opponents. Aside from Brozo there are other players with great quality so we have to pay attention and try to play our game with our weapons and I am sure we can cause trouble for them.”
“We will analyse what we did in the last game to avoid repeating the same errors and face Croatia in the best way. We are fit and we are ready to play this match with the appropriate determination.”
FIGC confirms that Italy’s Nation League games in October will be played at the Olimpico in Rome on Thursday, 10 (vs. Belgium) and at the Friuli Stadium in Udine vs. Israel on Monday, 14.