Claudio Marchisio warned Italy “will need to be much more determined and gritty” against Uruguay.
The Azzurri can still progress in the World Cup after a shock 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica, but only if they get at least a point against Uruguay on Tuesday.
Claudio Marchisio warned Italy “will need to be much more determined and gritty” against Uruguay.
The Azzurri can still progress in the World Cup after a shock 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica, but only if they get at least a point against Uruguay on Tuesday.
“We had the chances to take the lead in the first half, but we didn’t take them and then conceded at the other end,” Marchisio told RAI Sport.
“If we had scored first, then it would’ve been a very different match. We expected it to be difficult and unfortunately it went badly.
“We still have a very good chance of going through. We need to focus on Uruguay, which is the most important game.”
Thiago Motta complained about the heat in Recife at 13.00 local time and Marchisio agreed to a point.
“Many things changed from Manaus, as we weren’t playing against another European team like England and the kick-off time was the hottest time of day. I’d like to know who organised this schedule and ask a few questions…
“The heat was not an alibi, but it can make the difference. In any case, we will need Italy to be much more determined and gritty against Uruguay if we are going to qualify.”
Italy can go through if they draw with Uruguay, as they have a superior goal difference.
“In that sense, it was important that we lost 1-0 to Costa Rica and not 2-0, as that would’ve changed things.
“We haven’t got long to recover, as the next game is also at 13.00 and we have only three days to recover.”