Ciro Immobile wears the captain’s armband for Italy in the Nations League against Portugal and sees “too much negativity.”
It kicks off in Lisbon at the Estadio da Luz at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Click here for the line-ups and the LIVEBLOG.
“Unfortunately, we only got negative results recently, so we hope to change the trend,” the Lazio forward told Rai Sport.
Ciro Immobile wears the captain’s armband for Italy in the Nations League against Portugal and sees “too much negativity.”
It kicks off in Lisbon at the Estadio da Luz at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Click here for the line-ups and the LIVEBLOG.
“Unfortunately, we only got negative results recently, so we hope to change the trend,” the Lazio forward told Rai Sport.
“Not participating in the World Cup was damaging above all psychologically, but we want to get back on track and the Nazionale will give its all from now on.
“There is too much negativity and looking from the outside, as I didn’t play against Poland, I didn’t see such a bad team. We had a very good second half and only struggled at the beginning to emerge from their pressing game. The side clung to the equaliser and then tried everything to win it.
“It’s only natural that after recent years the people are a little let down by this Nazionale, but we need the passion of our supporters and we’ve got to convince them that we’re worth cheering on.”
The criticism has been particularly heavy for Mario Balotelli.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, I stand up for Mario. I’ve known him a long time, a player can play well or less well, the important thing is to be balance in your judgment.
“I remember that I had a period of seven games without a goal, then ended up with 23 goals.”