Emanuele Giaccherini believes there is a difference between the Italy squad under Antonio Conte, in comparison with previous boss Cesare Prandelli.
The on-loan Bologna midfielder is adamant the motivational powers of Conte has ensured he is getting more out of his players, since taking over as Azzurri boss after last year’s disappointing World Cup in Brazil.
“Under Conte I think we are a more united group than in previous years,” Giaccherini told reporters in a pre match press conference ahead of the friendly against Belgium.
“The players are men and stand up for the Italian cause, first and foremost. It is a tightly-knit national side.
“Our group are all together as one.
“Before, there were some great players but now I see a group who are ready to sacrifice themselves.
“I know Conte very well, having worked with him for two years at Juventus.
“His greatest quality is being able to work well across multiple formations and systems.
“He is also able to find the right balance during a game which can be very important. He works very hard and leaves nothing to chance.”
Giaccherini then went onto speak about recovering from injury and playing in the Premier League for Sunderland.
“After a year out through injury, it was difficult not to be part of the Azzurri,” Giaccherini added.
“It was a blow but I always held out hope. It all depended on myself and my work.
“To leave a team like Juve was painful and it was for me.
“My time in the Premier League has given me so much as a footballer and made me mature a lot as a person too.”
