"Are the other national teams trying to calculate how not to play us? It's something that makes us proud, especially considering what they thought of us before the tournament started. But we have to stay focused, calm and think about ourselves. We haven't done anything yet: our objective is to go all the way, it wasn't just to get through the group stage...". Lorenzo Insigne, who just turned 30, is one of the most experienced players in the Azzurri group – an experience that becomes clear when he plays, with the awareness he takes to the field and the way he spoke during the press conference.

The Napoli striker goes on to sentimentally say "it's the first time that I've played in such an important event at this level, in such an important role. In the past other coaches have used formations that were less compatible with my style of play, although I have always made myself available. Now Mancini is using a system of play that is more suited to me”.

Born in ’91, Lorenzo Insigne celebrated his 30th birthday on 4 June, the same day as the friendly against the Czech Republic in Bologna. The forward has stated that he enjoys being part of a team whose "strength is the group", with teammates who are great friends even off the pitch and a team that is a good mix of experience and youth: "If the young players are living a fairy tale, it’s also true that they give us great enthusiasm. They may be looking to learn some secrets from us, but we are also looking to them and their great quality.

Our midfield? Many envy us: it's made up of players who know how to combine quality and intensity. We always try to express our football, which makes it difficult for our opponents to play at speed, and we don't want to interfere with that”.

The knockout phase – almost a 'tournament within a tournament' – will start on Saturday evening with the Round of 16. Insigne continued: "We know well that in the in-or-out games a single moment can affect the entire match, but we’re staying calm. Even in the opening game against Turkey, although we were not in the same situation, we had to win. And it was the young players who dragged us to the end through with their play”.

The venue for the match against Austria will be the captivating Wembley Stadium, which was the scene of the 1966 World Cup final and the 1996 European final: "I think it's everyone's dream to score in such a stadium. We will try to go to London and give a great performance, as we have always done until now”.

 

The Itinerary

Thursday 24 June
**14:00 - Players on media duties
*18:00 - Training (behind closed doors)

Friday 25 June
Chartered departure for Round of 16 game

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

 

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