Italy U-21 coach Luigi Di Biagio has urged the Azzurrini not to be fearful as they begin their European Under-21 Championship against Sweden U-21 on Thursday.
The two countries will square off at the Andruv Stadion to begin Group B action, and the 44-year-old tactician has implored his players to keep their focus against the dangerous Swedes.
“The motivation is huge and nobody can underestimate the value of a tournament like this,” he stated at his pre-match press conference.
“We have been preparing for this for two years and we are ready to take on this championship in the best way possible.
“We don’t fear Sweden, who remain a formidable team, but they are a national team that has always been good to me.
“I have three or four doubts over the formation and I will only decide them tomorrow morning.
“Meanwhile I told the players that a tournament like this can provide surprises. Tomorrow is a key match, but it is not decisive.”
