Italy centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno means that France and England’s struggles at EURO 2024 imply there are ‘no simple video games’ within the match and that ‘any opponent’ is hard, so the Azzurri gained’t underestimate Switzerland.
Italy and Torino defender Buongiorno spoke at a press convention from the Azzurri coaching base in Iserlohn on Thursday, two days earlier than an EURO 2024 Spherical of 16 tie in opposition to Switzerland.
Solely Spain have gained three video games out of three to date, whereas different nationwide groups deemed favourites, like England and France, have been failing to match expectations. The identical goes for the Azzurri, who secured qualification to the Spherical of 16 because of a late Mattia Zaccagni purpose in opposition to Croatia.
Buongiorno was requested if problems with different groups are one way or the other giving aid to the Azzurri.
Buongiorno explains what France and England Euro struggles imply to Italy
“Greater than this, we all know there are not any simple video games. That is what it means,” he replied.
“These matches assist us to not underestimate any opponent and play each sport at our greatest as a result of each opponent is hard.
“Absolutely with enthusiasm from the beginning of the preparation. I attempt to give my finest to make the coach battle with choices. I’ve ready at my finest to be prepared.
“Switzerland are a tricky group. They play good soccer, assault the area, and might depend on quick gamers,” continued the Torino defender.
“Absolutely, it gained’t be simple. We are attempting to organize the sport at our greatest. We wish to dominate proceedings and block them tactically, and we’ll certainly be prepared to take action.
“From our perspective, it’s certainly a tricky sport in opposition to dynamic gamers. Will probably be difficult and we must always not underestimate them.”
After the ultimate group stage outcomes, Italy discovered that they would have been eradicated if it hadn’t been for Zaccagni’s purpose in opposition to Croatia. So, what did they inform their teammate?
Buongiorno opens up about decisive Zaccagni purpose in opposition to Croatia
“We instantly congratulated Zac and thanked him. We had been very completely happy after the sport and much more so after realizing it allowed us to qualify.
“There’s the notice that Italy by no means surrender. We scored on the finish of a tricky sport, and now we are attempting to organize for this match to one of the best of our capability. We all know it gained’t be simple. We’ve began watching the opponents’ movies, and we’ll attempt our greatest to prepare.”
Does Buongiorno really feel like one in every of Italy’s finest defenders, and the place does he want to enhance?
“It’s lower than me to say so, however I attempt to enhance day-to-day,” he replied.
“I believe I’ve proven my strengths defensively, however even with the coach right here, we’re engaged on the possession section. I’ve performed the identical at Torino. It’s one thing the place I do know I can enhance. It’s essential all the time to have the suitable mentality and enhance what I can. Something might be improved. What issues is to stay targeted for 90 minutes.”
Might Buongiorno begin in opposition to Switzerland?
Italian sports activities papers say Gianluca Mancini will change the suspended Riccardo Calafiori in opposition to Switzerland, however in accordance with Sky Italia, Buongiorno is the favorite. In any case, Spalletti appears satisfied about utilizing a three-man defence.
“Absolutely, a three-man defence makes it extra seemingly for us centre-backs to play,” mentioned the Torino defender.
“Crucial factor is to get to the sport in one of the best form with a system that might trigger hassle for our opponents. Ricky [Calafiori] already impressed me at Bologna. He’s a wonderful participant and a pleasant man, and he proved so in these video games. What issues is to be prepared on the proper second after giving our greatest in coaching. We will get an opportunity at any second.
“The coach makes choices, so the one factor we will do is attempt to do our greatest, hoping to go to the pitch. If it doesn’t occur, we should stay targeted and have the suitable mentality as a result of when the possibility comes, we have to be prepared.”
Is he getting inspiration from Italy’s legendary defenders of the previous?
“We have now a fantastic custom, and we’re all younger right here,” Buongiorno replied.
“Subsequently, we attempt to research them, hoping to be at their ranges. We generally ask for recommendation after we meet them and watch their movies. We’re doing our greatest to be at their stage.”
Buongiorno will reunite together with his Torino teammate Ricardo Rodriguez on Saturday. Has he talked to him about it?
“No, we spoke at Torino earlier than the Euros, saying we hoped to fulfill within the Remaining. We’ll meet a bit earlier, however we didn’t say something particular; we simply wished one another good luck.”
Regardless of ending second of their group, Italy in all probability have an simpler path to the Remaining, however this doesn’t imply the Azzurri will underestimate their opponents.
“Completely. Our path is less complicated, however typically, each sport is troublesome,” insisted Buongiorno.
“We’ll do our greatest to go all the best way. That’s what we will grant. We hope to succeed as we all know how a lot it issues to us and all of the Italians.
Buongiorno on Vanoli and Spalletti
Has he spoken to new Torino coach Paolo Vanoli?
“He texted me, saying to deal with the Euros. I watched a few of his video games at Venezia and I’ll have time to fulfill and speak to him after I return to Torino.”
What has stunned him about Italy CT Spalletti?
“Absolutely his need to make us perceive his concepts. He’s very targeted in each coaching and in all the pieces we do.
“He’s very targeted on ways, too. Tips on how to beat the opponents’ press and the way we should press. What he says has allowed me to enhance as a participant. This stunned me as a result of he could make us develop individually and as a group.”
