On Tuesday, 12 September, Ukraine's national team lost to Italy in an away match of the Euro 2024 qualifying round - 1-2. The meeting took place in Milan. Here is the post-match press conference of the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhii Rebrov.
Sergey Rebrov- What analysis can you make after the match? Did theItalians surprise you with their performance?
- It's too early to make an analysis. But we will definitely do it. The Italians did not surprise me, they tried to play very intensely from the first minute. A quick goal helped them. Yes, they created chances, but I'm grateful to the guys for returning to the game. We scored a goal, and in the second half we had several chances to equalise.
It is very difficult to play Italy after a very difficult match with England. Our opponent today played very intensely, and sometimes we couldn't keep up with their rhythm.
Just like in the game with England, there was a good atmosphere today. Yes, this time there were fewer Ukrainians in the stands, but I saw how the Italians supported Ukraine. We are very grateful for that. But such an atmosphere helps the home team. We are grateful that we are playing here and that Italy has welcomed us so well.
-How do you assess your team's chances of getting out of the group?
- There are chances even when there are none. I have already said that we are in a very difficult group. I believe that these two matches - with England and Italy - were key. But if you look at the tournament position, we have a chance. We will prepare for the next two games very seriously. I am sure we have a chance.
-What did the Ukrainian national team lack to change the course of this match?
- One goal was not enough. As I said, it is very difficult to play two days after the match with England. We tried to press the opponent, but I could see from the guys that it was very difficult for them - they gave a lot of effort in the game with England. I want to remind you once again who we are playing against. I don't understand why everyone says that the Italian national team is in crisis.
- In the second half, your team came out charged to attack, looking very active. How didyou manage to get the players going?
- I think the players just had a rest after a very difficult first half. So at the beginning of the second half, we created a few chances and tried to play with the ball. We pointed out to the team a few mistakes that took place in the first half and made some comments. But I believe that the course of the second half was more about the psychology of the players themselves.
