Rebrov: I don’t think Italy will come out and play for a draw

The head coach of the Ukrainian national team shared his expectations for the upcoming qualifying match for Euro 2024.

The Ukrainian national team has a good chance to beat Italy and win a direct ticket to Euro 2024. This is what the head coach of the “blue-yellows” Sergei Rebrov thinks.

In addition, the coach expressed confidence that Italy will not play for a draw with Leverkusen, despite the fact that they were satisfied with such a result.

“Not both teams need a win. We looked at our last game, it is very important that there is information. There is information on the meeting with North Macedonia. I am sure the players are ready, it will be a different game. I I’m sure there will be a lot of support in Germany tomorrow for the stadium. Tomorrow we just need a victory, taking this into account, we will build our game.

We considered many tactics on our part. How will Italy play? It has very useful players who can play defense and attack, it is a very strong team. They played two days ago, but in Italy there are always several lineups. We must be ready for an intense game. We have made a decision, and tomorrow we will give the players information about how we will proceed. I don’t think Italy will come out tomorrow and play for a draw. It’s the wrong team, wrong coach.

We had a sociable game with Lechia, but not with the national team. This was a direct preparation for fighting the Italians. By the way, this meeting was planned by us, but we didn’t really agree to play on the 17th, two days before the official match. I think this is a very useful match for us before the meeting with Italy, fortunately no one was injured.

Recently I have been working with the Ukrainian national team. I really like the atmosphere in the team, regardless of club affairs. It is an entirely different task, an entirely different responsibility to our country and people. I can’t tell you how the environment has changed. These goals and good games like Shakhtar’s victory against Barcelona will give the players confidence ahead of the match against Italy.

I think we have a good chance. This game is different from the match at San Siro because this time the whole stadium will support us. I remember how we played a friendly match in Bremen, what the support was like there. I am sure tomorrow there will be a similar atmosphere. Of course, this affects the psychology and motivation of the players. I believe we have a good chance. I always tell football players that they shouldn’t be afraid of losing – they should be afraid of not doing enough to win. Therefore, we must show our strength and show our best game.

We are very grateful for the support of the country and city where we play. I remember how we played a friendly game in Bremen. I am sure that the Ukrainians will support us. We are playing the last match in the qualifying group here, because many Ukrainians live in Germany, many locals support us. I’m sure there will be a good atmosphere tomorrow.

We are always playing for our people who need support now. In the year and a half of this war, they lack the emotions that sport – and especially football – can provide. Many will support us tomorrow, and we will feel it. We play for them, for our army, for those who defend our freedom. Of course, my players understand why and for whom we play. I don’t think they need extra motivation. You can see how motivated the players are when they go onto the field with the Ukrainian flag.

I have a lot of respect for the Italian national team, but I believe in my boys. I don’t need players from Italy. We have a very good team. But we all understand the strength of the Italian team, which brings together the best players from around the world. We respect our opponents, but I really enjoy working with my guys.

It’s one thing to play Malta and North Macedonia, with all due respect to those countries. Another is to play in England or Italy. Of course, this is not only responsibility, but an opportunity to show yourself. I think we played well at home against England. But on the road against Italy, in my opinion, we made a lot of mistakes. So tomorrow we must be more concentrated and responsible,” the UAF website quotes Rebrov.

We remind you that the match between Ukraine and Italy will take place today, November 20, in Leverkusen, Germany. The starting whistle will sound at 21:45.

It was already known who will be the referee in the match between Ukraine and Italy.

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