Three days before their quarter-final showdown in Munich, the Azzurri are, of course, fully focused on Belgium, their next opponents and the side that they faced in their opening match of Euro 2016: “Compared to five years ago, Belgium now have more character and are readier for bigger matches,” said Ciro Immobile, who was also part of the Azzurri squad back then. The striker continued: “They are a technically strong team, and we’ll need to be at the top of our game against them. They also have an exceptional player in Lukaku. He has devastating physical strength, and his work with Conte in the past two years has helped him to improve even more. According to his teammates, he’s also a great guy and a hard worker. He deserves all the plaudits he gets. De Bruyne and Hazard? They’re two great players and vital components in terms of how they play. If they’re unable to play due to injury, it’d certainly be a problem for them because their talent makes it possible for them to shift the balance. Nevertheless, Belgium remain a great team even without them.”

The Golden Shoe winner in 2020, when he finished the season with 36 goals for Lazio, Ciro Immobile could make his 50th Italy appearance on 2 July in Munich. “When we got knocked out in that way by Germany in 2016, I was left feeling empty. But this feeling was nothing compared to when we lost against Sweden to miss out on the World Cup in Russia: it was the worst moment of my career. Now, we want to go all the way in this competition to erase that bad memory. We can feel the affection of a whole country and all the love from the fans, who are spurring us on.”

He’s scored twice in three appearances at these Euros, and it’s clear that he has a close bond with Mancini: “My relationship with the Head Coach has grown in the past few years. While it was good at the beginning, it’s now excellent: he knew how to treat me. Am I the one he shouts at the most out on the pitch? Yes, because I have the shortest name and it’s easy for him to yell ‘Ciro!’,” Immobile smiled. “Jokes aside, it’s good to be encouraged, it means that you’re being acknowledged. When you feel these things, you can be involved for just a part of a match and still give absolutely everything.”

 

Itinerary

Wednesday 30 June
**14:00 - Players on media duties
*19:00 - Training (behind-closed-doors)

Thursday 1 June
TBC

* photos will be taken and shared by the FIGC 
**media access will be limited to reduced numbers

N.B. Timetables are subject to possible change

NOTE FOR THE MEDIA – By clicking on this link, it is possible to download photos from Ciro Immobile's press conference. The images can be used after giving photo credit with the words: Credits: Getty for Figc.