Stefan Ristovski has plenty of experience in Italian football and believes North Macedonia can ‘bring home’ their ticket for the 2022 World Cup by beating Italy.
The play-off kicks off at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.
The winners will go on to face either Portugal or Turkey on Tuesday March 29 for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“I am proud to play for this team and there is no greater motivation than representing your country in a match worth a place in the World Cup. We are ready to give our all,” said Ristovski in his press conference.
He spent several years at various levels of the Italian game, playing for Parma, Latina, Frosinone, Bari and Spezia, but is now at Dinamo Zagreb.
“The Italy squad is full of great talent, it’s no coincidence they are the Champions of Europe. We will try to make the most of their absences in defence, even if they have players who can fill in.
“We are concentrated and can bring home qualification.”
Yes, they can beat us.
So we have to play calm and with a clear head. Superior skill and tactics will see out the Result.
I do like what CT Mancini said. We must remember to stay calm and patient as the score is 0-0 and we are not chasing anything. No need to rush things and get caught out.
If they want to lose on PK’s with Gigione in porta then we will oblige them.
FORZA AZZURRI
“We will try to make the most of their absences in defence, even if they have players who can fill in.” Yes Stefan, don’t park the bus like Sweden did last WC qualification. Attack!
Should be over in 45 minutes, if North Macedonia don’t play 10 man defense.
I think the best N.M. can do is a draw. Unless the ref gives them a gift.
They will cause problems no doubt and we will become more frustrated the longer we don’t score . But even if we do score we need to get 2-3 because we all saw what we did with Bulgaria at home .
Frustrated
Would be a natural reaction if it’s still scoreless, sure.
But NM still need to score as well. Let them take risks, let them have the courage to stretch the game.