Antonio Candreva saw “a positive performance” against Israel, but admits Italy didn’t break the deadlock early enough.
Ciro Immobile’s header proved enough for the 1-0 World Cup qualifier in Reggio-Emilia.
“We needed a victory, we got it and I thought it was a positive performance that gave a sense of consistency to the work we’ve done over the last year,” Candreva told Rai Sport.
Antonio Candreva saw “a positive performance” against Israel, but admits Italy didn’t break the deadlock early enough.
Ciro Immobile’s header proved enough for the 1-0 World Cup qualifier in Reggio-Emilia.
“We needed a victory, we got it and I thought it was a positive performance that gave a sense of consistency to the work we’ve done over the last year,” Candreva told Rai Sport.
They were jeered off the pitch at half-time, as fans have not forgiven Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Spain.
“In this type of match you have to break the deadlock early to help you relax into the game. Criticism is part of the job, but we are a solid group and some of it was excessive. I think the Azzurri have done good things this year.
“The defeat in Madrid was painful for us more than anyone, we weren’t expecting it, and we learned from our mistakes.”