Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi highlighted the importance of Italy’s 2-0 win over Northern Ireland yesterday.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) after yesterday’s victory in Parma, the 33-year-old Italian spoke about the Azzurri’s winning start to their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The victory was very important to start in the best way. We had a great first half, in the second we suffered a little, but it’s just the first step towards a great group.
He spoke about the Azzurri’s strengths.
This is a technical national team, maybe that’s why we always try to play the ball. Of course, we try not to make mistakes, but it is normal that in certain situations we should be more confident.
But we have the players to play the ball. The defensive phase is excellent, we have great and experienced defenders and we’re on a path of great confidence and awareness of our means.
Acerbi spoke about his understanding with fellow defender Leonardo Bonucci and his role as a backup to Giorgio Chiellini.
Chiellini is eternal and has great experience. I have a good feeling with Bonucci and we know what to do, I always try to be ready. We’re a European team because we have players who play for big European teams like Verratti, Emerson and Jorginho.
We’re a mix of youth and great quality that the coach and staff have been able to blend well. But it is always the squad that makes the difference, in the national team like in the clubs, we all always help each other and this makes you approach the match with confidence.
The 33-year-old Italian touched on the upcoming European Championship in the summer.
We think game to game, now we have Bulgaria for the World Cup qualification. Of course, it’s always nice to play against the best teams and if you want to go forward sooner or later you have to meet them all.
Finally, Acerbi spoke about Lazio’s ongoing trial involving the Covid-19 test results.
I only think about playing, I’m not the one who decides.
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