Buongiorno explains what France and England Euro struggles mean to Italy | OneFootball

Italy centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno suggests that France and England’s struggles at EURO 2024 mean there are ‘no easy games’ in the tournament and that ‘any opponent’ is tricky, so the Azzurri won’t underestimate Switzerland.

Italy and Torino defender Buongiorno spoke at a press conference from the Azzurri training base in Iserlohn on Thursday, two days before an EURO 2024 Round of 16 tie against Switzerland.

Only Spain have won three games out of three so far, while other national teams deemed favourites, like England and France, have been failing to match expectations. The same goes for the Azzurri, who secured qualification to the Round of 16 thanks to a late Mattia Zaccagni goal against Croatia.

Buongiorno was asked if issues of other teams are somehow giving relief to the Azzurri.

Buongiorno explains what France and England Euro struggles mean to Italy

“More than this, we know there are no easy games. This is what it means,” he replied.

“These matches help us not to underestimate any opponent and play every game at our best because every opponent is tricky.

“Surely with enthusiasm from the start of the preparation. I try to give my best to make the coach struggle with decisions. I’ve prepared at my best to be ready.

“Switzerland are a tough team. They play good football, attack the space, and can rely on fast players,” continued the Torino defender.

“Surely, it won’t be easy. We are trying to prepare the game at our best. We want to dominate proceedings and block them tactically, and we will surely be ready to do so.

“From our perspective, it’s surely a tough game against dynamic players. It will be challenging and we should not underestimate them.”

After the final group stage results, Italy learned that they would have been eliminated if it hadn’t been for Zaccagni’s goal against Croatia. So, what did they tell their teammate?

Buongiorno opens up about decisive Zaccagni goal against Croatia

“We immediately congratulated Zac and thanked him. We were very happy after the game and even more so after knowing it allowed us to qualify.

“There is the awareness that Italy never give up. We scored at the end of a tough game, and now we are trying to prepare for this match to the best of our ability. We know it won’t be easy. We’ve started watching the opponents’ videos, and we’ll try our best to get ready.”

Does Buongiorno feel like one of Italy’s best defenders, and where does he need to improve?

“It’s not up to me to say so, but I try to improve day by day,” he replied.

“I think I’ve shown my strengths defensively, but even with the coach here, we are working on the possession phase. I’ve done the same at Torino. It’s something where I know I can improve. It’s important always to have the right mentality and improve what I can. Anything can be improved. What matters is to remain focused for 90 minutes.”

Could Buongiorno start against Switzerland?

Italian sports papers say Gianluca Mancini will replace the suspended Riccardo Calafiori against Switzerland, but according to Sky Italia, Buongiorno is the favourite. In any case, Spalletti seems convinced about using a three-man defence.

“Surely, a three-man defence makes it more likely for us centre-backs to play,” said the Torino defender.

“The most important thing is to get to the game in the best shape with a system that would cause trouble for our opponents. Ricky [Calafiori] already impressed me at Bologna. He’s an excellent player and a nice guy, and he proved so in these games. What matters is to be ready at the right moment after giving our best in training. We can get a chance at any moment.

“The coach makes decisions, so the only thing we can do is try to do our best, hoping to go to the pitch. If it doesn’t happen, we must remain focused and have the right mentality because when the chance comes, we must be ready.”

Is he getting inspiration from Italy’s legendary defenders of the past?

“We have a great tradition, and we are all young here,” Buongiorno replied.

“Therefore, we try to study them, hoping to be at their levels. We sometimes ask for advice when we meet them and watch their videos. We are doing our best to be at their level.”

Buongiorno will reunite with his Torino teammate Ricardo Rodriguez on Saturday. Has he talked to him about it?

“No, we spoke at Torino before the Euros, saying we hoped to meet in the Final. We’ll meet a bit earlier, but we didn’t say anything special; we just wished each other good luck.”

Despite finishing second in their group, Italy probably have an easier route to the Final, but this doesn’t mean the Azzurri will underestimate their opponents.

“Absolutely. Our path is simpler, but generally, every game is difficult,” insisted Buongiorno.

“We’ll do our best to go all the way. That’s what we can grant. We hope to succeed as we know how much it matters to us and all the Italians.

Buongiorno on Vanoli and Spalletti

Has he spoken to new Torino coach Paolo Vanoli?

“He texted me, saying to focus on the Euros. I watched some of his games at Venezia and I’ll have time to meet and talk to him when I return to Torino.”

What has surprised him about Italy CT Spalletti?

“Surely his desire to make us understand his ideas. He’s very focused in every training and in everything we do.

“He’s very focused on tactics, too. How to beat the opponents’ press and how we must press. What he says has allowed me to improve as a player. This surprised me because he can make us grow individually and as a team.”