Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov warns it will be ‘a different match’ to their San Siro showdown with Italy and they have analysed several other ‘tactical situations’ for tomorrow.
It kicks off at the BayArena in Leverkusen on Monday at 19.45 GMT.
Because of the 2-1 result at San Siro in September, decided by a Davide Frattesi brace, a point here would be enough for Italy to qualify thanks to a superior head-to-head record.
Naturally, due to the war, Ukraine have to play on neutral turf, but even then they are unbeaten in the ‘home’ fixtures for the EURO 2024 qualifying group, holding England to a 1-1 stalemate.
“This is a different match, we have given the squad all the information they need and we expect a packed stadium that can support our players,” said Rebrov in his press conference.
“We examined different tactical situations. Italy are a team who can play defensively or on the attack, they have great intensity and we will try to have the best possible performance.
“I have not been working with the squad for long, but I like the atmosphere and sense of responsibility when representing our country. It is a difficult moment and we want to give positive emotions to our people, knowing that the national team can in its own way support our soldiers. We hardly need extra motivation for a match like this.”
However, when he was asked if he had heard directly from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Rebrov replied that “he has more important things to do.”
Luciano Spalletti goes into this game missing numerous injured players, but Rebrov was pressed on which Italy star he would like to ‘steal’ from the opposition.
“I have great respect for the Italy side, they have some excellent players, but I don’t need any of them. I am happy with my own players.”