Flick doesn’t really know what to expect from the German feared opponent. A year ago, after beating England in the final at London’s Wembley Stadium, the Italians stood there as admired and beaming European champions. Now they have collapsed radically, missed the World Cup and have to start the next reconstruction. Flick wants to concentrate fully on his eleven in the 36,000-seat Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. “We expect that we are very focused, that we are active, that we try to put the opponent under pressure.” In his tenth international match as boss, Flick is aiming for his ninth victory. He wants to remain undefeated.
Coach Roberto Mancini has to regroup the Squadra Azzurra after Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Argentina in London. “Many left because they also had to recover physically. They weren’t in the condition to play four games,” he said. Captain and defensive guarantor Giorgio Chiellini has also left the team. “We’re taking more risks because obviously we’re changing a lot,” said Mancini. Advantage Germany? That’s the way it should be. The last of only two away wins was 36 years ago. In 1986 in Avellino the DFB team drew 2-1: Lothar Matthäus scored the winning goal.
Flick wants to send the “best possible team” onto the pitch in Bologna. So a team that could also start at the World Cup. This should also include Timo Werner, who is repeatedly questioned in public. However, the Chelsea FC attacker enjoys a high reputation with the national coach. The most successful goalscorer under Flick (6 goals) is facing his 50th international match for Germany. Flick said on Friday: “I found him very committed and focused. He’s also very fit, which is always very important for Timo.”