There was only one aim, and that was the three points. That was what Antonio Conte said before the match and reiterated afterwards: “The win was all that mattered today. But when you’re not clinical, nothing is certain. I’m pleased with the desire that my players showed on the pitch. We are now leading a very tight group, and we’ll try and follow this up with a win against Bulgaria.”

“In games like this, you have everything to lose. Malta have a very quick striker in Effiong. I would have preferred to have scored earlier to calm the nerves. We tried to dictate the game with our own style of play in the first half. A football match lasts 90 minutes, and anyone who was expecting a goal fest was not paying attention to what I said yesterday.” Conte then diverted his attention to Sunday’s game: “We have another match in three days, we need to rotate players and our forward players need to play closer to Pellè. Gabbiadini played very well, so it was a shame that his effort hit the bar. Only a win against Bulgaria will be enough to make me feel at ease.”

Friday, 4th September
17:00  Training session at Coverciano’s Federal Centre (closed to the press)

Saturday, 5th September
10:00  Training session at Coverciano’s Federal Centre (closed to the press)
16:00  Travel by plane to Palermo
18:30  Training session at Renzo Barbera stadium (open to the press for the first 15’)
Press conference after training session(coach and one player)

Sunday, 6th September
20:45 European Qualifier ITALY vs. BULGARIA (Renzo Barbera stadium)
Press conference after the game

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