Italy coach Luciano Spalletti says they’ll be wary facing Ukraine in their final Euro qualifier.
The Azzurri need a point to reach Euro2024.
Spalletti said: “The table says that Ukraine have as many points as Italy, so there are no favourites tomorrow.
“Ukraine prepared in the best possible way, I expect them to be attacking, as Serhiy Rebrov has a positive approach to the game. We need to keep focused, but I think our way of taking the opponents on is correct. One has to have a balance, naturally, as Ukraine are very dangerous on the counter-attack, so preventative marking will be crucial.
“That is something we got wrong against North Macedonia and we must not do it again. When the time comes to press, we press, when it’s time to keep organised, we will be organised, even if it means leaving them a little bit more of the pitch at certain moments. I feel as time goes on, they will be forced to push forward more.”
Spalletti also said: “This is one of those days that can become your greatest achievement, regret or remorse. A game like this can put pressure on, certainly, but these are above all huge opportunities and nothing can limit or frenzied desire to defend the European title.
“This is who we are and it is our duty to go and defend that title. Many of our current players know how hard they fought to win that title, so we will be ready.
“Many times in my life, I have faced things that frightened me, but then that proved exciting. The real question is: Can we do it? And the answer is yes. So we’ll see what we’re made of.”
