Rony Lopes: ‘Portugal ready to win’

Forward Rony Lopes assured “Italy are a good team, but Portugal are ready to win and motivated to top the Nations League group.”

The match kicks off in Lisbon on Monday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Azzurri already started their Nations League campaign, drawing 1-1 with Poland thanks to a Jorginho penalty after Piotr Zielinski’s opener.

“We are confident,” said 22-year-old Monaco striker Lopes in his Press conference.

Forward Rony Lopes assured “Italy are a good team, but Portugal are ready to win and motivated to top the Nations League group.”

The match kicks off in Lisbon on Monday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Azzurri already started their Nations League campaign, drawing 1-1 with Poland thanks to a Jorginho penalty after Piotr Zielinski’s opener.

“We are confident,” said 22-year-old Monaco striker Lopes in his Press conference.

“The fact Italy drew with Poland gives us even more belief and motivation to top the group. Italy are a good team with good players, but Portugal are ready to win.”

Although many still remain from the side that won Euro 2016, Portugal will be without captain and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday, as he is trying to settle in to his new Juventus surroundings.

“This team has a bright future ahead of it, as there’s a lot of quality and young players happy to learn from the experience of the elders,” continued Rony Lopes.

“Cristiano is the best player in the world and it’d be a privilege for me to play by his side. It’s not happened yet, but I hope it will do soon.”

Meanwhile, full-back Raphael Guerreiro has pulled out of the squad due to an injury.

Portugal squad

Goalkeepers: Beto (Goztepe), Claudio Ramos (Tondela), Rui Patricio (Wolves)

Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Juventus), Ruben Dias (Benfica), Pedro Mendes (Montpellier), Luis Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Besiktas), Mario Rui (Napoli), Cedric Soares (Southampton)

Midfielders: William Carvalho (Real Betis), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting CP), Gedson Fernandes (Benfica), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Sergio Oliveira (Porto), Pizzi (Benfica), Renato Sanches (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Bruma (RB Leipzig), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Rony Lopes (Monaco), Gelson Martins (Atletico Madrid), Andre Silva (Sevilla), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)