Niko Kovac insists “there is no favourite” between Croatia and Italy in Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier. “We are equal in quality.”
Croatia are currently two points ahead of the Azzurri in qualifying Group H, but tomorrow night the game will be played behind closed doors in Split due to previous crowd trouble.
“There is no favourite and it is a very particular game because it will be played without a crowd,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Niko Kovac insists “there is no favourite” between Croatia and Italy in Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier. “We are equal in quality.”
Croatia are currently two points ahead of the Azzurri in qualifying Group H, but tomorrow night the game will be played behind closed doors in Split due to previous crowd trouble.
“There is no favourite and it is a very particular game because it will be played without a crowd,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“It’s a shame, we but we have to focus only on the match at hand. We watched back the first game at San Siro and they are likely to change something because of absences.
“This is a new game, it will be difficult and let’s not be fooled that anything has been resolved in our qualification. We start from scratch.
“At this stage of the season it’s normal for there to be players missing through injury, as it has been a long and stressful year.”
Mario Mandzukic has “a few muscular problems, but should make it. Don’t ask me for the line-up, because we don’t want to give Italy any advantages and they will be the same with us.
“I don’t know how Italy will play, as they are missing two players who are essential for the 3-5-2 system. During the game in Milan, Antonio Conte changed system three times.
“We are ready, as they cannot surprise us and I imagine we can’t surprise them either.”
In theory, a draw would practically secure Croatia’s qualification, but Kovac is unconvinced.
“We’ll see at the end if we are satisfied with one point, but in my career I have always played to win.
“Italy and Croatia are equal in quality. We respect our opponents, but I hope we’ll show what we can do on the field.”