Jorginho was happy to wear the Italy captain’s armband during an emergency situation and give his all for ‘the cause,’ but warned the 5-0 win over Lithuania should not be taken for granted.
The Brazil-born midfielder was captain for the first time this evening in the World Cup qualifier, as he had more caps than anyone else in the starting XI.
“I was pleased to be captain today, but we’ve got many captains in this side,” the Chelsea player told RAI Sport.
Jorginho was in fact meant to be rested after starting against both Bulgaria and Switzerland, but the injury crisis changed these plans.
“The coach asked how I was, if I could play, and I said yes. We are here for the cause and when we have to give our all, that’s what we do. There’s no hesitation.”
Lithuania are bottom of the World Cup qualifying group and lost all their games, but Jorginho insists this should not be taken for granted.
“All games have to be played and won, especially in modern football, there are no easy matches. It especially wasn’t easy today, because we had so many players missing.
“We went out there hungry and earned this victory.”
There was good news from Northern Ireland, who held Switzerland to a 0-0 draw tonight in the same group, although qualification is by no means secured.
“We have to stay calm, as I said, we need to play and win every match. If we don’t have the same attitude we did this evening, then we won’t win.
“Unfortunately, the ball didn’t go in for the other games, but we have to keep playing and creating the chances.
“When you rest on your laurels, you don’t grow, and we want to continue growing.”