Antonio Conte wants “a result and a performance” from Italy in tomorrow’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia.

It is due to kick off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, although there are growing concerns it might be called off due to torrential rain and flash floods in the city.

Antonio Conte wants “a result and a performance” from Italy in tomorrow’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia.

It is due to kick off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, although there are growing concerns it might be called off due to torrential rain and flash floods in the city.

“The team is prepared, I hope we will put in a great performance regardless of who steps on to the field,” said Coach Conte in his Press conference.

“Our priority is the team and not the individual. We have many players out of action, but should not worry about that.

“We are working on a concept of football and the hunger of the lads reassures me. Tomorrow we must go out there with desire and pride.

“We must not be afraid of anyone, but respect all our opponents. Croatia have some very talented players who can take men on and we must do well to remain compact both with and without the ball, trying to develop what we practiced in training.

“I will simply say that we studied Croatia, so know their strengths and weaknesses. Tomorrow we must bring our own qualities to the game.”

Some Coaches would say it was more important in this situation to get the result against joint group leaders Croatia, but Conte disagrees.

“I expect a response in terms of performance too. We don’t have to win in order to achieve that. In any case, I hope to see a victory tomorrow.

“We are playing at San Siro against Croatia, both of us top of the group. All this makes it clear how important the match will be.

“We are glad there are so many fans coming to the stadium, as that means this team gives positive emotions to the supporters. Croatia are a quality side and I am curious to see how we do against them.”

Mario Balotelli and Angelo Ogbonna are the latest players to miss out, both leaving the Azzurri training camp this morning due to muscular problems.

“Balotelli had this inflammation in the groin and it continued troubling him today, so we decided it was best to send him back home.”

Conte was asked whether his target with Italy is to win Euro 2016, especially after the Azzurri reached the Final in 2012.

“We must move very carefully, because we are coming off a painfully disappointing World Cup. We must never forget that, as it needs to give us the strength to push forward.

“First of all let’s try to qualify, take it one step at a time. We need to remain concentrated, united and prove ourselves game after game.”

There are fears the match could be rained off tomorrow, as flash floods have shut down the city of Milan and wrecked the pitch at San Siro.

“We hope that it will stop raining and that we have a good playing surface, both for us and for Croatia,” added Conte.

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