“We’ve come to Ascoli after overcoming great adversity. We know the crowd will get involved because we know how amazing this city is. The fans’ support could be decisive,” Nicolato said in an appeal to the crowd. He was joined at the press conference by Ascoli’s city mayor Marco Fioravanti, Ascoli Calcio president Carlo Neri, as well as Lega Serie B president and Italy U21 Delegation Head Mauro Balata.

 “We’ve had a good campaign,” continued the Azzurrini boss, “but we need all the support we can get for this vital match. The boys need it and I’m certain we’ll get it. It will be the ace up our sleeves in a game that, given what we have done throughout this journey, will be vital going forward. I’m sure that the fans will turn out in force. It’s an important day for us and – I hope – the city too.”

Balata, who gave his thoughts on Tuesday’s match against the Republic of Ireland, asked for vocal support from the fans: “Having the U21 team back in Ascoli after 50 years is a recognition on the part of the FIGC and President Gravina of the hard work that goes on in the city,” underlined the Serie B president. “Ascoli is a city that exudes history and the local club and its president are restoring some of the footballing pride of the past. The Ireland game is vital for us. We have a great group and coach Nicolato and his staff have done an amazing job to instil in the players a love for the shirt and the nation. I want to call upon the city of Ascoli to come and support us on Tuesday.”

The Azzurrini continued their prep this afternoon. Matteo Lovato has left the squad after failing to recover from the injury he sustained in Thursday’s game against Sweden.