Motta hails Azzurri spirit

25/05/2016

Thiago Motta believes Italy’s team spirit can help them prove their doubters wrong at Euro 2016.
The Azzurri approach the tournament with little expected of them, after they fell at the group stages of the 2014 World Cup, while boss Antonio Conte’s announcement that he will join Chelsea after the European Championships has led to a loss of favour from the public.

Despite the pessimism surrounding the camp, Italy were unbeaten in qualifying and will expect to reach the last 16 at the very least, having been drawn alongside Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in their group.

Conte’s men are 2.60 to top Group E and are currently 17.00 to win the tournament outright. Following the exclusion of Andrea Pirlo from the squad, Motta’s experience is likely to be key and he will be charged with running the midfield alongside Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Marco Verratti.

The pair were again instrumental in helping PSG win the domestic treble and will be hopeful of carrying that form back to the country where they play their domestic football.

Motta says he is unconcerned by the lack of expectation being placed on the squad, arguing that it could work in their favour.

The 33-year-old concedes their performance in Brazil means it is understandable the public have lost faith in the Azzurri but believes the spirit within the squad can help them succeed.

He told La Gazzetta dello sport: “All for the better if people are pessimistic. Whatever we do on top of expectations will be a plus. “It’s understandable that fans aren’t optimistic after the last World Cup, but this Italy has a strong team spirit. If we can stay humble, we’ll go far.”