Under-21s in Israel: final European qualifier tomorrow

The HaMoshava Stadium in Petah Tiqwa is the final stop on the road to qualification for Euro 2023. The Under-21 National Team landed in Tel Aviv early this afternoon. The day for the Biancoazzurrini then continued with the Official Training Session, the prelude to the clash with Israel that will mark their farewell to this European qualifying campaign. Twenty-one players boarded the plane together with Head Coach Matteo Cecchetti. Speaking about tomorrow’s match against opponents who are battling for second place in Group B, two points behind Poland, he shared his thoughts: “I’m expecting a tough match against a strong Israel side. In the reverse fixture they showed excellent things. They have plenty of technical quality and know how to work well as a team. In the meantime they have changed head coach, but I don’t expect them to be any less dangerous than they were then. We will have to face them with the right attitude, showing respect but not fear.” Diego Moretti gritted his teeth and joined up with the squad for this final appointment. The same cannot be said for other players who are dealing with physical problems. “I’m really sorry for the lads who were unable to be with us for these last two matches,” the coach continued, “but I have to say that, despite the absences, the team has stayed on course. Against Poland the boys showed that the principles we have been working on for some time have been well absorbed. In that match I have to say the only negative note was the result. In my view the scoreline was a bit harsh. We paid for a few situations where we switched off. But I’m happy with how we played in both phases. And then, especially in the second half, our line was high and we managed to create four or five clear goalscoring chances. That proves we are not lacking in courage. And tomorrow we must complete our journey in exactly that way: with courage.” Israel v San Marino will kick off at 18:00 CEST, 19:00 local time. These are Matteo Cecchetti’s call-ups for the final match of the European qualifying cycle:

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