The first match point is gone and the second can not wait. After winning the Italian Under-21s in Luxembourg and drawing with Sweden, they will play at home tomorrow to qualify directly for the finals of the European division in Romania and Georgia next year. Assignment at 5.30pm on the grounds of the Sino & Lillo del Duca Stadium in Ascoli Piseno against a determined and thirsty opponent for the Republic of Ireland. The Azzurri need at least one point to qualify, as they lead the Irish 19th with 21 points ahead of the standings.
Two days before the match, captain Samuel Ritchie will play in charge. “I think as a leader on this team, like everyone else who has been here for years more than those who have recently joined – in his words – we must have the motivation to do better and better: we must be in charge.”
Returning to the challenge in Sweden, Richie admits that the approach could have been “better” because “we were a little stunned by what it felt like: because I do not know, then we recovered, we played very well and we could have done better in the game.” “We need to be more foolish under the goal to better understand the opportunities – he adds – we had a lot in the end. We need to do well from this point of view. Fear not, anyway”.
As for Ireland, “We are a very physical team with good personalities, but we have nothing to fear, because we are Italy, we have quality, we have to beat our game, it’s hard for us to hold the ball.
Ascoli fans can help us because when you have the whole stadium, people are happy for you and they can give you more at certain stages of the match.
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