Italy Under-21 coach Luigi Di Biagio has revealed that the team won’t underestimate Northern Ireland in their match on Thursday.
The Azzurrini are currently in second place in their UEFA Under-21 European Championship qualifying group with six points, while their opponents sit in last place with zero points
Despite the points gap the tactician believes this will make Northern Ireland more of a challenge than group leaders Belgium, whom Italy beat 1-0 last month.
Di Biagio spoke to reporters and insisted that his squad will do their best to secure a victory.
“We have an obligation to win,” said the 42-year-old, who replaced former Italy Under-21 boss Devis Mangia over the summer.
“We have to bring forward our ideas and learn from what has happened so far. We have grown up in the last few games, that much is obvious. But we have to follow up the good result last time against Belgium.
“Ireland may be on zero points, but I think that will make them more of a challenge for us than Belgium.”
