Italy defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo says Wembley Stadium will always be associated with good times, ahead of the Azzurri’s match with England tonight. Italy will be aiming for victory to help with their EURO 2024 qualifying bid, but will have to do so without Federico Chiesa, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zanioli.
Speaking ahead of the game, Di Lorenzo explained why being at Wembley will always bring back happy memories, but refused to be drawn into the current betting scandal that is impacting some of his teammates:
“Returning to this stadium reminds me of the good times we had with the national team, we played more than one game here not just the final. In March in Naples they played better than us, they were superior, but tomorrow’s will be a different game.
“It will also be a good test for us to see what level we are at, in this second gathering we had more time to get to know the coach. We will be ready to play a good game.”
Do you feel you are at the level of this England side? And what do you possibly lack to be at their level?
“We will see tomorrow night, they play a great game with great individuality. But we are strong, we will have to prove it tomorrow night. We have started a new path with a new coach, we have worked really well this week.”
What happened to Italy after the European Championship final that you played in? What is the difference with that team? Did the police in Coverciano affect the preparation for this match?
“It did not affect the preparation for the match, the team always remained focused. The week was nice and intense, with specific trainings, we are ready for tomorrow. I don’t know the difference, now we are at the beginning of a new path with a new coach. Italy in the European Championship was very strong, had a united group and that led us to win the European Championship.”
What is the image that came to your mind when you entered the stadium?
“Yes, definitely entering this stadium evokes good moments, memories of that European Championship and that victory. It’s exciting to come back here, but now we have to put them aside and think about this game which is the most important thing. What will be tomorrow matters more.”
Two players from Italy have returned home, have you talked about this in the team? What do you think about the investigation?
“I prefer not to talk about it, we are humanly close to the two teammates and then what will come out I don’t know. I will just say this.”
