Portugal Coach Fernando Santos told his side that pace was the key to beating Italy, but isn’t counting his Nations League chickens yet.
This was their debut in the Nations League, while the Azzurri drew 1-1 with Poland before tonight’s 1-0 result in Lisbon.
“It was about as difficult as I expected, as I knew the quality of both my team and Italy. We were aware that if we upped the tempo, we’d create problems,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Portugal Coach Fernando Santos told his side that pace was the key to beating Italy, but isn’t counting his Nations League chickens yet.
This was their debut in the Nations League, while the Azzurri drew 1-1 with Poland before tonight’s 1-0 result in Lisbon.
“It was about as difficult as I expected, as I knew the quality of both my team and Italy. We were aware that if we upped the tempo, we’d create problems,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Italy tried to surprise us by using two strikers upfront. When we did slow the tempo in the final 10 minutes, it allowed them back into the game.”
Andre Silva scored the only goal straight after the restart at the Estadio da Luz.
“I thought it was a little unfair that we were still goalless at half-time, so during the break I urged my men to keep up the pace. It’s clear we couldn’t dominate the whole game, as we were up against a very strong Italy side.”
William Carvalho and Bernardo Silva ended the match carrying knocks.
Portugal now lead the Nations League group on three points, with Italy (who have played an extra game) and Poland on one.
“Do we have a foot in the final? We need both feet in there, because standing on one foot you risk falling over.”