After a victory in his first competitive game as Italy boss, Giampiero Ventura has praised the team spirit shown by the Azzurri.
They won 3-1 against Israel on Monday night in the first of their 2018 World Cup qualifiers, with the goals coming from Graziano Pelle, Antonio Candreva and Ciro Immobile, while Giorgio Chiellini was sent off in the 55th minute.
“Playing outnumbered is always difficult, we suffered a bit after the expulsion of Chiellini but then we improved,” Ventura told Rai.
“It was a near-perfect game in the first half apart from their goal.
“We won as a team and that’s the main thing.”
Ventura then discussed Marco Verratti, who started the game in the middle of the field and stayed there for the full 90 minutes.
“Many said he could not play that role, however he has proven to be a player with great depth,” the 68-year-old said.
The next game for Italy is a clash with Spain on October 6 in another World Cup qualifier.
“In a month against Spain, I hope to have a team with the best mix of players from a physical point of view,” said Ventura.
