Italian national team member Federico Dimarco addressed the media three days before the decisive match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will decide the place in the World Cup.
After Italy’s victory over Northern Ireland (2-0), Dimarco reflected on the reactions of his teammates after the penalty shootout in the match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Italian players were filmed celebrating the passage of BiH, which caused criticism and the interpretation that they underestimated the opponent.
– I respect every club and national team. It was an instinctive reaction, we were among friends and watching penalties. I also spoke to Jack, a friend, and congratulated him. I didn’t disrespect anyone. We have no reason to be arrogant, we have missed the last two World Cups, so there is no point in acting like that. I’m sorry for that and I think it was a bit disrespectful to call me names at that moment – said Dimarco.
He also emphasized the importance of psychological preparation before the meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
– We absolutely want to qualify. We are working well together, on Tuesday we will first of all have to be mentally strong. If we are, we will achieve the result. The mind controls the body. Bosnia and Herzegovina is very strong and we will have to be at the highest level in every respect. Our greatest strength was mental resilience. After the first half and Retegui’s chance, we did not falter. We stayed in the game instead of letting our minds wander: we broke the deadlock and then closed the match with Moise – concluded Dimarco.
(Vijesti.ba)
