Lorenzo Insigne has reflected on Italy’s status as underdogs and on comparisons between himself and Spain’s Isco.
La Rojita have yet to concede at this summer’s tournament and are expected by bookmakers to retain their title won in 2011 going into tonight’s UEFA Under-21 Championship.
“We don't have a problem if everybody sees the Spanish as favourites,” AS quote Insigne as reflecting to reporters pre-match.
“It is a great feeling to be in the final, especially when you think about all the sacrifices you have made up until now.”
The Napoli playmaker picked out Isco, and indirectly himself, for special praise,
“I’m no worse than Isco. Isco is Isco and I am me. He’s a great player and has shown that this year, but I do not think that I am worse than him.”
Similarly to Spain, the Italian squad has included a number of players that could have been in contention for a spot at the Confederations Cup instead.
Insigne is one of those, but he explained he has no regrets.
“Definitely, this competition makes you grow and leads you towards the senior team. I decided along with the Coach that playing here would be better for my development.
“I am very happy I have come here with my friends and made it to the final. We have invested a lot of work to make it this far, so thanks to [former Coach Ciro] Ferrara and to our current Coach.
“The strength of this team is not any individual player but the whole team, all 23 players, and we always feel united.”
