Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi relished his Italy debut and explained some of the tactical adjustments he made for a 4-3-3 formation.
The Brazil-born centre-back gained Italian citizenship a couple of months ago and was in the starting XI for a 2-0 victory in Lithuania.
“It was very emotional to make my debut, but I settled in very quickly to this fantastic group and I am very happy to become part of this family,” Toloi told RAI Sport.
Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi relished his Italy debut and explained some of the tactical adjustments he made for a 4-3-3 formation.
The Brazil-born centre-back gained Italian citizenship a couple of months ago and was in the starting XI for a 2-0 victory in Lithuania.
“It was very emotional to make my debut, but I settled in very quickly to this fantastic group and I am very happy to become part of this family,” Toloi told RAI Sport.
“It was a tough game tonight, because it was a synthetic turf and very difficult to get the ball moving around. We managed to get the three points and I am very happy.”
It was surprising to see Toloi playing on the right, as he is usually in a central three in Bergamo.
“The Nazionale defend with four, so I was a right-back here. As everyone knows, Atalanta play with three at the back and wing-backs.
“I didn’t find it difficult to adapt, though. I am very happy and now it’s time to go home and focus on Atalanta.”
Does Toloi think he can do enough to earn his place in the Euro 2020 squad?
“I am not a kid, I am 30 years old, I knew this was a unique opportunity for me. I did my best, it wasn’t easy on this turf, but I am happy to have made my debut. Now the only way I can get back into the Nazionale is to keep doing well with Atalanta.
“I’ve really enjoyed these 10 days with the Italy squad.”