After the 2-1 defeat against France in the opening match of the Under-21 European Championship, Italy Under-21 coach Paolo Nicolato, goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, midfielder Nicolò Rovella and forward Willy Gnonto spoke to RAI microphones. Bitterness for the result and some controversy for some refereeing decisions, but the performance, against a difficult opponent, was up to the mark and gives confidence in view of the challenges against Switzerland and Norway.

 

There was great regret for Paolo Nicolato, coach of the Azzurrini, at the end of the match lost by Italy 2-1 against France at the Cluj Arena: "I find it hard to talk about the match today. The incidents had a big impact, too much so. I don't usually talk about them, but when I'm hot I can't help thinking about them." Then he added: "We lost against a great team, who deserved to win; but honestly the handling of the incidents was against us. We were very unlucky. We shouldn't complain, even if it's unbelievable to play without VAR and Goal Line technology at this level.

 

The Italy Under-21 manager also wanted to talk about France: "Italy played a good game, although we knew that they are a top team, very good on the restarts, fresh, fast, physically remarkable. We built good chances and we did not capitalise on them. Now head to Switzerland, we must win".

 

Goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi also spoke to RAI microphones at the end of the match lost to France: 'I saw a great game from Italy. High pride, high football quality. We were superior, we lost, but we are aware that we are strong. Now we see the next two games. Let's reset and move on, because there is still a lot to do in these European Championships." The goalkeeper owned by Atalanta, but this year on loan at Cremonese, wanted to raise his guard in view of the next match: "I care little about saves if we do not win. With Switzerland it will be like a final for us: let's recover our energies, let's recharge and we'll talk about it after the match with the Swiss".

 

Regret also in the words of number "10" Nicolò Rovella: "Great disappointment because we played a great game and deserved something more. Surely they are important episodes that have condemned us, but we must not think about it and we must focus on the next games to overcome the round. I saw a great Italy'. Team-mate Wilfried Gnonto echoed him: "We have to take the positive things of today and carry them forward. I am disappointed, but we are a strong, quality team. We have to play as we know how and win the next games. I just hope I can help the team according to my characteristics.