‘It Will Certainly Be a Very Difficult Match’ — Verratti Previews Italy’s Euro 2020 Round of 16 Clash With Austria | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti claimed Italy’s upcoming Euro 2020 Round of 16 fixture against Austria will be a “difficult” challenge for the side.

Italy finished off Euro 2020 group stage play with three wins and zero goals allowed.

As winners of Group A, the Azzurri will clash with Austria up next in the Euro 2020 Round of 16.

Although many are picking Italy to advance on through to the quarter-final round of this tournament, Verratti sees that this upcoming duel with Austria will be far from an effortless task.

The PSG talent spoke further to UEFA’s official website about what this upcoming test will bring to Italy.

“It will certainly be a very difficult match because in any case we play an eighth final and as I have always said there are no easy matches,” Verratti said.

“I think we will always have to play in the same way, playing with the same wickedness, the same desire, the same courage. I think we can play a great game.”

Verratti notes that Italy’s mentality over the knockout stage will be key as the side is slated to face hefty pressure to make a deep run in this tournament.

“Surely the more you go on, the more pressure there is, now we are in or out so at the end of the game you either continue this dream or go home,” Verratti said.

“We need the right enthusiasm that leads us to do things without thinking much about where we really are. We must continue so calmly, to play our football. Only in this way can we do something extraordinary.”

Verratti is expected to start for Italy in this upcoming matchup against David Alaba and the Austrian national team.

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