Antonio Conte has “a basic idea of who will come” to Euro 2016 ahead of Italy friendlies with Spain and Germany.
The match against Spain kicks off at the Dacia Arena in Udine on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.
There are some new figures in the squad, such as Jorginho and Federico Bernardeschi, so will these friendlies have an effect on the choices for the tournament?
Antonio Conte has “a basic idea of who will come” to Euro 2016 ahead of Italy friendlies with Spain and Germany.
The match against Spain kicks off at the Dacia Arena in Udine on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.
There are some new figures in the squad, such as Jorginho and Federico Bernardeschi, so will these friendlies have an effect on the choices for the tournament?
“These matches clearly have an important role, because there are no other games after this. We called up a fairly large squad and players I’d have liked to see earlier, but it was not possible, so we will try in games against Spain and Germany to have responses,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
This was clearly a snipe at the clubs who forced his February get-together to be cancelled by not releasing their players.
“Above all during training we want to see if the new arrivals have the chance of being useful for the Euros.
“As for those who aren’t here, there are two months left and I will play close attention to what happens in Serie A, in America – because I don’t forget Sebastian Giovinco – and evaluate what happens.
“I will keep the doors open, but I do have a basic idea of who will come to France.”
What does Conte expect to see in the friendlies against Spain and Germany?
“What I expect to see is what we tried out in these three days of training. It’s not simple to prepare for a game with players you haven’t seen for a very long time, but the lads are like sponges absorbing information.
“We know that we are facing a very, very strong side, among the favourites to win Euro 2016, so it is a probing test. We are missing several players who in previous matches had played, so we must make the most of this ‘emergency’ situation to give some answers.
“I want some clear answers on everyone so I can be relaxed in my choices. We certainly want to do well.”
Conte has repeatedly tested the 3-4-3 system in training and he laughed when asked for clues on the line-up.
“I think you know the line-up, as I received an email today that told me it was too windy to put the covers up around the training camp, so you’re making fun of me by asking! You saw everything!
“We’re going to three at the back for numerous reasons, despite missing key players.”
Conte had said many times he wanted to bring back the feeling of belonging to the Nazionale.
“I am very satisfied because I am convinced we will arrive at Euro 2016 with a team. The lads really take everything in and finding different alternatives, without changing our principles of taking the initiative and keeping the tempo up, can be an added bonus.
“Tomorrow therefore represents another step in evaluating this journey. I find the players enthusiastic and that really gives me hope.”