Former Ukraine player Sergiy Nagornyak told КОМАНДА1 about the prospects of our team in the match against Italy.
Serhiy Nagornyak (photo: uaf.ua)- Serhii Mykolaiovych, in official tournaments, the Ukrainian national team has met the Italians six times and each time we lost. Can this somehow affect the distribution of forces before today's match?
- I don't think any of our players will pay attention to these statistics. All bad things come to an end. For a long time, Ukraine could not win against the top teams in Europe. But it's okay, the time has come for England, France, Spain, so nothing is impossible.
Yes, the Italians are on a roll after the game with North Macedonia, they know what they want, but if you look closely, Ukraine has a good chance of overall success, as the Azzurri have problems in defence. Italy's advantage over Ukraine is only in mentality, as the opponent has won more often in major tournaments, but there is only one game ahead, in which anything can happen. In addition, it is worth noting that many Ukrainian players are now playing in the top European championships, and this makes our team stronger. I am sure the game will be interesting. In such a difficult time for the country, we all expect a positive result from our guys.
- The Blue and Yellows only need a win. Does this mean that Serhii Rebrov's team will try to act as number one?
- This is a question for the coaching staff of the national team of Ukraine, how to build their game. I do not think that the Italians, who are satisfied with a draw, will sit in a deaf defence. We can recall the first face-to-face meeting in the qualifiers. Then Italy completely outplayed Ukraine.
The upcoming match will take place in Germany. Yes, we will have an advantage in fans, but this is not Kyiv, Dnipro or Lviv, where the support would be crazy. But even in such circumstances, when the war is going on in the country, the Ukrainian national team is holding its own at a high level, claiming to reach the final of the European Championship. It is important to score first, then it will be much easier mentally. It will be difficult, but we all believe in the final success,
- We already know for sure that in case of failure in the match against Italy, Ukraine will have a chance to qualify for the Euros through the play-offs. Can this morale boost our team in the game against Italy?
- To some extent, yes. Of course, we want to get to the final tournament right away so that there is no unnecessary nervousness, although it doesn't matter how you get to the Euros, the main thing is to be there. It will be easier in the play-offs due to the star power of the opponents, but this path will not be easy either.
- What is your prediction for the Ukraine vs Italy match ?
- The game will be incredibly difficult, but, again, we all believe in a successful outcome for us, and therefore the score should be a winner. My bet is on 2-1.
Sergiy DEMIANCHUK
