Retegui after Israel: “This Italy is growing. Now move forward with humility”

“I’m very happy. For me, what we’re doing is very important. We’ve done two weeks, this month and the previous one, very good and we’re growing. This is the important thing: we’re assimilating what the coach wants.” Mateo Retegui scores again, first from a penalty and then with a gem from the edge of the area which is nestled under the far corner of the posts. The former Atalanta player could not have closed this break and these other two weeks of World Cup qualifiers better: his two goals against Israel in Udine (rounded to 3-0 by Mancini’s late goal) gave Italy not direct qualification but the playoffs again.

growth and humility

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“Is it the national team of attackers? We are becoming a strong team, we put up great numbers especially in attack but today we didn’t concede a goal and that’s fundamental, we’re happy for the fans – he explained in the post-match flash on Rai -. The playoffs in March? Now let’s rest, improve, continue with our feet on the ground and with humility and in the meantime let’s see what we do in the next break which is very important for us in any case to grow”.

donnarumma: “let’s erase the defeat in Oslo”

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“Unfortunately, qualifying for the World Cup has become complicated, here you can’t miss a match – added Donnarumma after the match -. We have to erase that defeat in Oslo and think about the next matches in November, then the playoffs. We will have to work but I’m sure that the team will do well and that we will go to the World Cup. We are also improving defensively. My decisive saves today? I always try to be ready, but I see a team that doesn’t want to concede goals. The coach is putting his best foot forward, we are applying new concepts but you can see that the group is alive and I’m sure we will do well.”