Emanuele Giaccherini said Italy “proved a few doubters wrong” after topping their Euro 2016 group, but won’t get ahead of himself.
The Azzurri have mathematically won Group E thanks to victories over Belgium and Sweden, plus the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 defeat to the Red Devils today.
That means their Round of 16 fixture will be in Paris on Monday June 27 at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
Emanuele Giaccherini said Italy “proved a few doubters wrong” after topping their Euro 2016 group, but won’t get ahead of himself.
The Azzurri have mathematically won Group E thanks to victories over Belgium and Sweden, plus the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 defeat to the Red Devils today.
That means their Round of 16 fixture will be in Paris on Monday June 27 at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
“We proved a few doubters wrong,” smiled Giaccherini to Sky Sport Italia.
"People didn't have a great idea of what we could do in this tournament, but the wonderful thing about football is being able to prove them wrong on the field.
“The next game with Ireland is one we want to win too so we can consolidate the top spot.
“Only then will we think about the Round of 16 and who we are paired with.”
Italy will face the runners-up in Group D, which will be Spain, Croatia or the Czech Republic.