Giovanni Di Lorenzo apologised for Italy’s draw against North Macedonia, but insisted you can’t compare the national team with last seasons Napoli team. The Azzurri are preparing for a key EURO 2024 qualifier against Ukraine tomorrow evening, and speaking with Sky Sport ahead of the game, Di Lorenzo explained why the team have to be ready and without excuses:
“We know that beyond the draw this match was and is important for us. We must have enthusiasm, we will play at home and it will be an important factor for us, even if we have had little time we are ready and we absolutely must win. We have seen their matches but what we do matters more. Our intentions, what we want to do and where we want to take the game. We are prepared for this, time is short but there is great willingness and this is what we have to build on and we are ready for tomorrow.”
“With the coach we analysed the match (against North Macedonia), there were right attitudes, then one only looks at the result but inside the match there were many actions that could have ended differently, it is up to us to be more precise. At this level the details decide and we will have to be good tomorrow night to take advantage of the pitch factor and win the game”.
“We’re sorry for the draw the other night as we could have used a win for enthusiasm. The spirit, however, is right. We are well and ready for tomorrow. We know the importance of the match in view of the round”.
“The game plan? We must not look at the game of last year’s Napoli. Time is short. You don’t have to get to that game there. The team is made up of different players. We want to build football and the important thing is to follow the coach. Victory is very important. There is no time, but there is no time in football, so we just have to win.”
“Spalletti? The coach is experienced and has coached many teams. He knows how to manage these situations, even though last year we didn’t have them”.
“The captaincy? Immobile is the perfect captain. It is right that the armband went to him as he is a great player and a great person.”
