Italy CT Antonio Conte warns ‘I won’t call-up someone who has scored two goals or had a few good performances’.
The Azzurri have qualified for Euro 2016, but play a final qualifier against Norway tomorrow, and the Coach warns it won’t be easy to break into his squad.
“Going to the European Championships will be a unique experience,” Conte said in his pre-match Press conference.
“I’ve always envied my colleagues, this time I’ll have the pleasure.
Italy CT Antonio Conte warns ‘I won’t call-up someone who has scored two goals or had a few good performances’.
The Azzurri have qualified for Euro 2016, but play a final qualifier against Norway tomorrow, and the Coach warns it won’t be easy to break into his squad.
“Going to the European Championships will be a unique experience,” Conte said in his pre-match Press conference.
“I’ve always envied my colleagues, this time I’ll have the pleasure.
"The door isn't closed to anyone, but anyone who wants to join the Italy squad for the European Championships will have to prove that they’re superior to those who got us this far, that's clear.
“I won’t call someone up to the national team just because they’ve scored two goals or had a few good performances.”
Conte then looked ahead to tomorrow’s game, and confirmed he’ll try to stick with the same team which beat Azerbaijan.
“I’ll try to stick with the XI from Baku as far as possible, Eder and [Graziano] Pelle in particular.
“We’ve had some defections, some are struggling to recover, but we’re ready for a Norway side which is playing for qualification.
“Our targets for the tournament? It depends on skill, and individual moments so it’s never easy to set goals. We don’t start as favourites, but we’re working to return to the top.
“Croatia and Norway? I think they’ll both come to the Euros. I’m fortunate enough to have lads believe in the project, and that gives me so much confidence.”