Italy Under-21 Coach Gigi Di Biagio admits “it can never be just a friendly” as they prepare to face Germany.
The Azzurrini play at the Bentelar Arena in Paderborn on Friday, kicking off at 19.00 GMT.
“The word ‘friendly’ doesn’t really exist for me with any team, but everyone knows it can never be just a friendly against Germany,” noted Di Biagio.
Italy Under-21 Coach Gigi Di Biagio admits “it can never be just a friendly” as they prepare to face Germany.
The Azzurrini play at the Bentelar Arena in Paderborn on Friday, kicking off at 19.00 GMT.
“The word ‘friendly’ doesn’t really exist for me with any team, but everyone knows it can never be just a friendly against Germany,” noted Di Biagio.
“Italy and Germany have an infinite football rivalry. There’s not long to go before the European Championship and these friendlies give us the opportunity to verify our current form.”
They will also take on Serbia on Monday in Benevento, the final test before June’s tournament.
“I’ve had clear ideas for a while, so these games are useful to both give and take away doubt. Both Germany and Serbia are top level Under-21 sides with very interesting players, but we’re on the same level.
“We will confront each other and see where we are right now. We haven’t been together with the players for four months, so there’s no time to see other options and I’ll consolidate what we’ve done thus far.
“I know full well that, if we keep the same system, there could be problems with the characteristics of certain players, but we must try to focus on the team unit.”