EURO 2024 is around the corner, and anticipation is high. On Friday evening, the opening match of the tournament will take place between Germany and Scotland, while Italy will play their first Group B fixture against Albania in Dortmund on Saturday. In Iserlohn, the enthusiasm of having trained in front of 4000 spectators has given way to concentration. The Azzurri are aiming to defend the title they won at Wembley in 2021, with Bryan Cristante involved back then, too: “We’re fired up and ready, and we’re working hard,” said the Roma midfielder in an interview with UEFA. “It’s been a fantastic training camp so far; we’ve prepared and trained well. We can’t wait to get going. We have many fans here, making us feel more at home, and there’s no shortage of passion. They showed this when they watched us train and when we arrived, but we’ve also seen it away from the hotel. We want to make them proud, just like we want to make every Italian at home proud. We’ll do everything for them. Tuesday was fantastic; it’s fantastic to have so many people cheering you on, especially when you’re abroad. They make you feel at home. Therefore, we need to give 100% to make them proud.”

The current squad is much changed compared to the one three years ago. However, as Giovanni Di Lorenzo also pointed out in yesterday’s press conference, “the group has the same spirit as the one in 2021,” continued Cristante. “EURO 2020 is something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives, but you need to keep on pushing forward in football. There’s always a new competition. We’re the reigning European champions and want to show that we’re still among the best teams.”

There’s plenty of competition in midfield, with many players hoping to earn a place in the team: “We perhaps have a younger and less experienced team, but we’re still strong and have a coach who is just as good. We’re working well and preparing in the best way possible. We can’t wait to start. We have a lot of excellent players in midfield, and it’s always better to have more than less. The competition is always good, and we’re all in contention to play. We want to do well but know that we can only win if we work together. We know what to do and want to repeat ourselves.”

In attack, in addition to Scamacca and Retegui, Raspadori is also an option Spalletti can use: “We have a lot of strong attackers,” said Cristante. “Perhaps they don’t play for any of the big boys, but Scamacca, for example, has shown what he can do and Retegui did well for Genoa during the season just gone. It was his first season in Europe, and that’s no easy thing. I think that we have a good attack and are covered in all positions. We have an excellent squad with a fantastic coach. We want to start well and show why we’re the reigning champions.”

Italy’s journey will begin in Dortmund against Albania, who have several players who play in the Italian top flight: “Albania are a strong team, like every side in Europe. They’re difficult to face and have many players who play with us and against us in Serie A. They know us well and will be aware of how they need to approach the match, which is the biggest danger. However, we know that if we give 100% and remain focused on our objective, we can win. Starting well is particularly important in a group like ours. In recent years, Spain and Croatia have shown that they’re great teams, as have we. Just like it’ll be tough for us, it’ll be tough for the others, too. We’re aware of this and can’t afford any missteps.”

Daniele De Rossi, Cristante’s coach at Roma, won the World Cup in Germany 18 years ago: “De Rossi hasn’t given me any particular advice. We have a good relationship and talk about everything, but this isn’t something we’ve discussed at length. He was a champion and won the World Cup. He was one of the best Italian midfielders, and receiving advice from him is always a pleasure.”

Finally, Cristante spoke about the tournament favourites: “There are many strong sides like, for example, England and France, with players who have more European experience and won more trophies. However, we’re an excellent team. We’re young but want to grow and prove something during the tournament. We have a brilliant coach and need to aim for the maximum without setting any limits. We know we can compete with anyone.”