Acerbi: ‘England respected Italy more than we did ourselves’

Francesco Acerbi believes England confirmed extra respect and perception in Italy than the Azzurri had for themselves. ‘We may’ve harm them, however within the second half we clocked out mentally.’

The Nazionale had taken the lead at Wembley Stadium by means of Gianluca Scamacca and threatened so as to add extra, however went into the break on degree phrases attributable to a Harry Kane penalty.

Marcus Rashford scored on the counter-attack and, after Kalvin Phillips averted a transparent second yellow card, Kane accomplished the 3-1 rout with a solo run.

“The primary half was good, however trying again with hindsight, if we handed it round, we may pretty simply get into their penalty space. Maybe we should always’ve believed in ourselves a bit extra and will’ve gained this recreation,” Inter defender Acerbi instructed Sky Sport Italia.

“England have very gifted younger gamers, however that doesn’t imply every thing in soccer. We may’ve harm them. Within the second half, we form of clocked out mentally. You might see within the first half they had been defending deep and had been afraid of us.

“Seeing them play with that form of humility, we should view ourselves the identical means. Our perspective within the first half was good, however we will by no means decrease our guard in opposition to gamers of this degree.”

Luciano Spalletti is attempting to convey new concepts to the facet after changing Roberto Mancini, combining some veterans like Acerbi with younger defenders akin to Giorgio Scalvini and Future Udogie.

“The coach educated huge golf equipment earlier than, he has been working on the highest degree for a few years. He’s reassuring us that we’re robust, that we should imagine in ourselves with the depth that he needs to see,” added Acerbi.

“Nevertheless, he additionally mentioned there isn’t a lot time, I would like people who find themselves prepared. We must be rather more prepared mentally than we had been in the present day. Dropping to England is not any disgrace, however trying on the passes we made and didn’t make, the areas that opened up, we may’ve finished extra.”

Italy are in any case assured a play-off spot, not that it has gone nicely for them in recent times with two World Cup exits, however can qualify routinely with a win over North Macedonia and no less than a draw in opposition to Ukraine.

“I believe after the 2 World Cups… We completely should qualify. I don’t even need to take into consideration the potential for that not taking place. We should beat North Macedonia, there’s no two methods about it.”