FIGC president Giancarlo Abete admits that he’s happy with Italy’s recent World Cup group stage win over England, but issued a reminder that there’s still a long way to go in the tournament.
The Azzurri secured a 2-1 victory over the Three Lions on Saturday, with goals coming from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli, and the the Italian Football Federation chief wants the national team to refrain from getting carried away and stay focused on their remaining Group D matches against Costa Rica and Uruguay.
Abete spoke to the press after Italy’s win over England about the challenges that still lie ahead, while also commenting on the conditions of injured players including Gianluigi Buffon and Mattia De Sciglio.
“We are pleased to have beaten England, but we have only played one game and we must keep our feet on the ground,” said the 63-year-old.
“Our team has provided encouraging evidence with their performance and we’re all pleased that a lot of the audience was cheering for us.
“However, this is a difficult group and it’s open to many possibilities, which was shown in Costa Rica’s victory over Uruguay.
“Injuries in the team? These are things that you have to take into account, but fortunately it seems that, as far as Buffon and De Sciglio, these things may be short term. And then you also see we are a beautiful group, no one wins alone.
“Balotelli? He seems determined and focused to me.”
