In a short interview with Sky Sport ahead of his side’s second group stage match against Switzerland tomorrow, Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini previewed the fixture and gave an update on the injuries in the Italy camp. The Swiss, who drew against Wales in the other fixture in Group A so far, will take on Mancini’s men on Wednesday night at 9pm local time.
“The objective has always been to qualify from the group, right from the first game. The next one is always the hardest, we’re facing a team that play well and know what to do on the pitch, led by an experienced coach.”
“At the start [of the Turkey game] there was more pressure, but our concentration levels should always be at the highest levels. We have an experienced squad, made up of players who have played dozens of these types of matches and know what awaits them – a very difficult game.”
On Alessandro Florenzi’s replacement at right-back
“Whether [Giovanni] Di Lorenzo or [Rafael] Tolói start, it wouldn’t change too much, even if Giovanni is a more attacking player. Maybe that’s the one doubt – there’s still another two training sessions to go.”
On whether Berardi will be replaced by Chiesa or Bernardeschi after picking up a knock
“I wouldn’t say that one player is another’s backup – whether Chiesa or Belotti play, it won’t change much, the’re all great players and know what to do.”
On whether Verratti will make the bench
“We’ll see, he’s doing fairly well. He’s been training with the team for 3-4 days.
