Italy midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo commented after the match against Ukraine (0:0).
“We knew it would be a tough game because Ukraine is strong and they have a lot of experience. We had to fight this, we had the right motivation, because Italy should go to the Euro not just in a cameo role, but as the main character, as the reigning champion.
The coach warned us that this game would be different from the one at San Siro because everything was at stake. The second half was more physical and there was less room to control the ball, but we remained united and fought hard to secure a spot at the Euros.
My relationship with Spalletti is very honest. I haven’t known him very long, but he is very open, straightforward, says what he needs, and says it to his face. It didn’t matter how many minutes I played, it was important to qualify,” Nicolo Zaniolo was quoted as saying by Football Italia.
