Antonio Nocerino tells Italy they “are a good side and don’t need to worry” about facing Spain in their Euro 2012 opener.
The Azzurri begin Group C against the reigning World and European Champions on June 10, followed by matches with Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.
Antonio Nocerino tells Italy they “are a good side and don’t need to worry” about facing Spain in their Euro 2012 opener.
The Azzurri begin Group C against the reigning World and European Champions on June 10, followed by matches with Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.
“Our objective is to do our best. We start off to go as far as possible, even if at the moment we don’t know what that is,” said Nocerino in today’s press conference.
“We are a good side and don’t need to worry about facing Spain. We already faced them in the past and must respect Spain, but also be aware of what we can do. I think others ought to respect us too.”
Nocerino was surprisingly Milan’s second top scorer in Serie A this season and could be a secret weapon for Italy too.
“I don’t know, I don’t really feel the pressure to get goals. I always try to put myself at the disposal of the club and my national team, so if the goals come then it’s even better. It is pleasing to score, especially as they are somewhat unexpected coming from me, but my objective is the collective.”
The midfielder has taken over from Gennaro Gattuso at San Siro and was asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s suggestions Milan have no money for new buys.
“Milan are a great side with excellent players who have made history in Italy and Europe. I am proud and very happy to be part of the club and don’t want to talk about other issues.”