Italy might not be favourites for Euro 2016, but that should spur them on to “do something special”, goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon said today.



Speaking at a press conference ahead of Italy’s pre-Euro friendly against Scotland at Ta’ Qali national stadium tomorrow, Buffon reiterated his intention to defend Italy’s goal in two years’ time at the World Cup in Russia.

“Physically, I feel prepared,” Buffon told journalists, “and the intention is to be there. But I’m only setting myself short-term goals and taking things one match at a time.”

Azzurri coach Antonio Conte was extremely complimentary about Maltese fans, saying it was “always a pleasure” to play in Malta and that it would be “amazing” to play in front of a sizeable crowd.

“We want to give Maltese fans to watch the Azzurri before the Euros,” he said.
Conte indicated that midfielders Thiago Motta and Riccardo Montolivo would play no part in tomorrow’s friendly after picking up knocks, though they should be fine to play in time for the Euros.

Scotland coach Gordon Strachan admitted that Italy would be a tough side to beat, but said he had full confidence in his side and that the game would be an important test for his side’s youngsters.

For Scotland captain Darren Fletcher, the bitterness of having not qualified for the Euros has not yet gone away.

“It was hugely disappointing,” Fletcher admitted. “But we have to come to terms with it and we’re preparing for the World Cup.” The fact that Scotland was the only nation in the UK to have failed to make the grade made the disappointment even greater, he said.

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