Graziano Pellè said Italy knew “it wasn’t easy to get the ball off” Croatia after their 1-1 draw.
“I tried to raise the tempo, as at that time Croatia were keeping too much possession and we had to push them for the last 20 minutes, see what we could create,” the Southampton striker told Rai Sport.
Graziano Pellè said Italy knew “it wasn’t easy to get the ball off” Croatia after their 1-1 draw.
“I tried to raise the tempo, as at that time Croatia were keeping too much possession and we had to push them for the last 20 minutes, see what we could create,” the Southampton striker told Rai Sport.
“We knew from the start that Croatia had great technique and it wasn’t easy to get the ball off them. The Coach changed a few things and tried to find other solutions. It was not a simple game.”
Italy actually seemed to improve and gain confidence after a 10-minute suspension when Croatia fans threw flares on to the pitch.
“For a striker the best thing is to score a goal, but unfortunately the right ball didn’t arrive. When we went back into the locker room for what happened off the field, we talked and got our heads back in the game, creating several chances to win once we came back out.”
Bulgaria were held to a 1-1 draw by Malta and Norway won 1-0 in Azerbaijan. This leaves Croatia and Italy joint top of the Euro 2016 qualifying group on 10 points, followed by Norway on nine.
“Looking at the table, it does seem to be a three-horse race. We know that we have to get through this stage at all costs.
“We do have to improve in many ways and realise Croatia are a very good side.”