West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna warns England ‘want revenge’ against Italy for the EURO 2020 Final and ‘all doors are open’ for his potential return to Serie A.
The EURO 2024 qualifier kicks off at Wembley Stadium this evening at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
There are three points separating them at the top of the group, all down to the 2-1 England victory achieved in Naples back in March, when Roberto Mancini was still the coach.
“I won’t judge the quality of the two teams, the history speaks to that, but England will want revenge,” Ogbonna told Tuttomercatoweb during an event at the Italian embassy in London.
“You cannot hide that desire, we went to their house and took away the trophy. It is going to be a difficult match, but anything is possible in football, just as it was in the EURO 2020 Final. It will be important that nobody forgets Italy’s potential.”
Ogbonna confirmed he will be in the stands for the match this evening at Wembley Stadium, especially as it is close to his home, having played for West Ham for eight years.
“I like the way Luciano Spalletti’s Italy approach football. We already saw his influence at Napoli, where they won the Scudetto after many years. Many see Naples as a tough place to work in, but Spalletti got everyone on the same page and achieved his objective.”
It has been suggested that his decision to play at West Ham prevented Ogbonna from being considered as an Italy international.
“I played the Euros in my first year, but then choices are also tied to the results in the teams you play for. I accept the decisions of the coach. I won’t deny that it is still a dream today to wear the Nazionale jersey and give my contribution, but considering everything I am pleased with how my career went.”
It is not yet over, as his contract with the Hammers expires at the end of the season and a return to Serie A is not out of the question for the 35-year-old.
“Football is unpredictable and all doors are open. Football is my passion and the only thing that matters is that I still feel like playing.”