Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci admits ‘the table says we’re underdogs’ as they prepare to face Croatia on Friday.
The Azzurri could drop to third in their European Championships qualifying group if they lose in Split and other results go against them.
“The table says we’re underdogs,” Bonucci shrugged in a Press conference.
“They have great international-class players. We go there knowing that we’re one place below them, but with the confidence that we can play a great game.
Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci admits ‘the table says we’re underdogs’ as they prepare to face Croatia on Friday.
The Azzurri could drop to third in their European Championships qualifying group if they lose in Split and other results go against them.
“The table says we’re underdogs,” Bonucci shrugged in a Press conference.
“They have great international-class players. We go there knowing that we’re one place below them, but with the confidence that we can play a great game.
“We’ll have to have patience on the ball, and not try to force the play. They have individuals who can hurt us. The absence of [Luka] Modric helps, but it will be 11v11 in defence and attack.”
Bonucci will likely be facing Mario Mandzukic, and was full of praise for the Atletico Madrid striker.
“He’s a modern striker, he fights for everything and scores a lot of goals. He never gives up, so he’s very difficult to deal with.
“Strikers like him are a Godsend for a defender, they help you to stay focused. Although of course you’d rather have him on your side…”
The centre-back was also asked about his son, who was disappointed that his father had to go to Berlin for the Champions League final, as he wanted to go to the beach.
“In disappointment, it’s enough to see him smile to fix everything,” Bonucci said.
“He wanted to go to the beach, I went and saw him and then I joined the training camp for the national team.
“He started crying, but I’ll be with him after international duty.”