Italy returns to the field 52 days after the European triumph against England and will do so tonight at the Franchi against Bulgaria
(8.45 pm live on Raiuno, Dutch Gozubuyuk will referee).
It is the first of the three races valid for the world qualifiers
(Sunday against Switzerland then next Wednesday against Lithuania) that await the Azzurri who are currently leading the group with full points.
Above all, it
is the first as European champions for Roberto Mancini and his boys and for this reason the expectation is very high
. '' We know we can improve further, then in football we are also losing but I hope it will happen after 2022 '' the ambitious hope of the coach at the helm of an unbeaten national team for 37 games in a row (28 wins and 9 draws) and for this, but not only, destined to open a great cycle: '' It is our hope, however, it has been for three years when we started involving this group to try to do something different than in the past - said Mancini -. The World Cup is not that far away and we want to continue playing like this, having fun and doing well, the goal is first of all to qualify, then we will focus on that competition. '' In the meantime, the coach wants to thank for the strong support received during the European ride (for now 9000 tickets have been sold):'' I want to say thanks to the Italians who supported us throughout the event. Against Bulgaria, which like every first game of the season will be difficult and delicate, we will have to do what we know. The stakes are already high and therefore woe to distract yourself - warned the coach - However my mood is the same as always, serene and happy, the guys know that we must not stop 50 days ago and I don't see the 'time to start again' '.the guys know that we shouldn't stop 50 days ago and I can't wait to start over ''.the guys know that we shouldn't stop 50 days ago and I can't wait to start over ''.
It will be an Italy that will not betray its game and its philosophy: '' With time, you can change something but to maintain this level we must be even stronger and I know we can be because we have young players who have not yet expressed everything. their value. If you have fun you also have fun with the people who come to see you and when you have fun, you win. when you do a job that you enjoy, you always do it to the fullest. '' As for the line-up, the coach thinks to largely confirm the one that raised the cup in the sky on 11 July at Wembley: Tonight the team will not deviate much from that of the semifinal with Spain and the final with England. '' L'the only novelty if we can say so should be Acerbi in place of Chiellini who seems destined to play on Sunday with Switzerland, while among the young Zaniolo paws: `` To have a very long career you must always be serious professionals, he can have it and in his chance we hope that he is always well because his game is very physical ''.
Captain will be Leonardo Bonucci at his 110th appearance in blue: '' We found ourselves with enthusiasm and the thrill of finding companions to whom we will be linked forever thanks to this trophy. The joke of the pasta made after the Wembley win? I did it - the Juventus defender smiled - to respond to those who already gave us up for defeat and considered England already victorious before playing. But now let's reset everything and start from scratch, an opponent who knows us as Bulgaria is waiting for us, then we will focus on the direct confrontation with Switzerland. We know we are strong and we are aware of it, but we must remain humble. '' We have to sit at the table aware that we are strong but with humility. "On the occasion of tomorrow's match, Italy will remember Francesco Morini,defender of Sampdoria and Juventus of the 60s / 70s, who passed away yesterday, with a minute of silence and mourning on his arm.