Former Azzurri striker Totò Schillaci can’t imagine seeing Italy out of the World Cup again and notices similarities between Roberto Mancini and Ciro Immobile.
The Azzurri host North Macedonia in the World Cup play-offs semi-finals tonight. It kicks off at 19.45 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
“Nobody expected to see Italy in the play-offs, but sometimes the simplest things become the most complicated,” Schillaci told La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper.
“We have to fight, it won’t be easy, but the same is true for our opponents. There is desire and determination even because missing out on the World Cup again would be a disaster. This group will show the personality to reach the target.”
How does he rate Ciro Immobile? The Lazio striker has only scored 15 goals in 45 matches with La Nazionale.
“He reminds me of Mancini,” said Schillaci.
“Roberto was among the best players in Serie A, but he was not as decisive with the national team. Immobile is a great player who makes the difference in the league, not yet with the Azzurri.
“I believe it is just a psychological aspect. It’s up to him. Maybe he still feels the burden of the World Cup play-offs against Sweden. Everyone thought he’d bring us to the World Cup with his goals. He felt the pressure and he will continue to do so in every game with the Azzurri.
“Italy’s shirt is heavier and the pressure of fans and media is always different.”