With international sides around Europe heading into their final round of Euro 2016 qualifiers, Italy coach Antonio Conte has spoken to the media about his side’s crucial upcoming fixtures.
The Azzurri close out their campaign with matches against Azerbaijan and Norway and Conte is taking nothing for granted in his hopes of automatic qualification.
“We will try to secure qualification,” the coach said.
“Azerbaijan are a good side, they have drawn against Norway and Croatia which tells us that it is not going to be easy.
“For us, this has all the characteristics of a trap game.”
Fiorentina hitman Giuseppe Rossi is inching his way back to fitness and Conte spoke on his prospects moving forward.
“We are monitoring Rossi, [Coach] Paulo Sousa is managing his minutes very well,” Conte said.
“We have spoken with the player and knows what we need from him.
“His situation has been unfortunate, but he is ready to move forward.”
Sassuolo starlet Domenico Berardi had been all set for his Italy debut but suffered a muscular injury and has since been omitted from the squad.
“Unfortunately he has developed a problem but it’s nothing serious, I hope he will continue to do well,” the coach said.
Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne has been one of Serie A’s brightest performers thus far and Conte took a minute to discuss the strong form of the diminutive forward.
Insigne is doing very well, fortunately he was not injured against Juventus,” Conte said.
“He is impressing from out wide, during these preparatory days I will study the form and conditions of all our players and then pick the best possible formation.”
Jorginho has been another revelation for Napoli this season and the Brazilian-born footballer has expressed his desire to play for the Azzurri.
“I have been following Jorginho, I hope I don’t create another scandal should I convene,” the coach noted sarcastically.
