ROME (ITALPRESS) – There is less and less to go before the big date for the Italian National Under-21 team, which will have a chance to detach its pass for the 2025 European Championships in its category in the match against Ireland scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Nereo Rocco stadium in Trieste. Arithmetic certainty, however, could come as early as the evening of Friday, Oct. 11, should Norway, now out of the fight for the top spot in Group A, manage to beat Ireland. The Azzurrini, before fully devoting themselves to Tuesday’s match, will first face a friendly against Livorno, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 10, at 3 p.m. Head coach Carmine Nunziata is betting heavily on the younger players, and among the new faces is youngster Marco Palestra, who spoke at a press conference, “It was a great feeling, being in the Under 21 means so much. I take it as a starting point, a first step to always go and improve. I hope there can always be satisfaction in the national team. When I heard about it I was super happy, I couldn’t wait to get here. I saw a very united and strong group, they are all humble guys who want to improve. Among the people who have helped me are Bonfanti, Sassi and Esposito, the others I am getting to know and I am happy. They make me feel part of this group. “The Atalanta defender could have space on Thursday in the friendly, but the focus is completely on the challenge against Ireland on Tuesday: “We are very focused since we arrived, it’s a decisive game. We are training well, the coach is asking us to go hard. If you train well, you also do well on the pitch. “Palestra then commented on his impact with the first team and prospects with the Atalanta jersey: “There are big differences between the Under 23 and the first team, such as the intensity of the matches and the physical level aspects. The fact that you are always at home allows you to be valued. Making your debut with Real Madrid is not for everyone, it doesn’t happen every day. I am very happy to stay at Atalanta, I will try to have my space and play my cards, although it will not be easy,” explained the defender.- photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS)
