Giampiero Ventura outlines his new tactical vision and warns “it would be a big mistake” to assume a glut of Italy goals with Liechtenstein.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Vaduz on Saturday at 19.45 GMT.
“This game goes beyond the table, as if we win then we maintain joint first place, but it is also a way of verifying the growth of our young players,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Giampiero Ventura outlines his new tactical vision and warns “it would be a big mistake” to assume a glut of Italy goals with Liechtenstein.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Vaduz on Saturday at 19.45 GMT.
“This game goes beyond the table, as if we win then we maintain joint first place, but it is also a way of verifying the growth of our young players,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Nothing is owed to us or gifted. Everything we do must be earned out there on the field. I am frankly astounded by the reports suggesting we’ll be counting the number of goals scored against Liechtenstein. We have great respect for them and the priority is to get points.
“Don’t forget they were only 1-0 down against Spain until the final half-hour, then they collapsed, but it would be a big mistake to underestimate them.
Ventura has been testing out the 4-2-4 system all week and prepared to shelve Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 to unveil a new Nazionale.
“Liechtenstein often play with the same system and if they change to counter us, that could be the first problem. If they attack us then we will be prepared, but we’ll be ready if they sit back and let us come at them too.
“When you start a new tactical journey, there are three components that have to be analysed. We tried out a system that nobody in Serie A is using at the moment, so that means the players unplugging from their usual habits.
“The players are very open to working hard and I am satisfied with these three and a half days of training. It is the first step for a team that for a thousand reasons has been packed with young players.
“This is the beginning and we need to get started. After the result, what’s fundamental tomorrow is verifying the mentality of the players, so they understand what’s needed to be protagonists.
“We called in a large squad precisely because we only had three and a half days to prepare. Those who don’t play tomorrow will play against Germany.”
Left out of the 23-man squad against Liechtenstein are Armando Izzo, Federico Bernardeschi, Nicola Sansone, Leonardo Pavoletti, Gianluca Lapadula and suspended Marco Parolo.
The weather forecast suggests there will be snow tomorrow in Vaduz.
“It is cold here, but it’s winter so that is only to be expected. The pitch is in good condition and there are good structures. It won’t be an issue.
“Of course, seeing how cold it is right now, we should’ve just arrived tomorrow night before kick-off!”