Ciro Immobile said the Sqaudra Azzurra new coach Antonio Conte restored confidence in the Italian grouping after a disappointing World Cup campaign in Brazil.
Italy was eliminated from the World Cup in Brazil since the group stage, something that few people in football would have expected. Uruguay and Costa Rica qualified in the next phase, and immediately after that failure the former coach Cesare Prandelli resigned from the leadership of the national team.
In his place was brought Antonio Conte, tactician who managed to win the Serie A title with Juventus three times in a row.
Tonight Italy will play the qualifying match for EURO 2016 against the Azerbaijan squad and striker Ciro Immobile is very excited before this confrontation about the atmosphere in the squad and the mentality imposed by the new coach.
“The main difference from the World Cup days? I’ve already said that now I see a group of players that are very tight, a squad that marches towards our goals as one,” said Dortmund striker.
“[A squad] that is thrilled to be wearing this jersey and wants to wear it with respect and pride.
“I didn’t find just 11 starting players and then the rest, as it was in Brazil.
“That’s what Conte asked every one of us from the very start. It doesn’t surprise me, knowing Conte as I know him.”
The 24-year-old striker scored his first goal for Italy in the friendly match won 2-0 against Holland, which took place about a month ago.
