| 05.07.2012 U16 MEN  | | Italy Head Coach Antonio Bocchino is satisifed from the effort his players have put in practices so far but is eager to evaluate them in actual game conditions |
Italy are travelling to Guadalajara on Thursday to play in an international tournament with hosts Spain, Turkey and England as part of their preparations for the U16 European Championship in Latvia and Lithuania. The coach of the Italians, Antonio Bocchino, has been pleased with the team's workouts but now wants to see his charges in game action. "I've seen (in the first training sessions) a great spirit of sacrifice from my players and a will to apply themselves despite the high temperatures we've had in recent days," said Bocchino. "Physically and athletically, we are growing. "This tournament in Guadalajara will be important from all points of view: technical and tactical. "The games are going to be a challenge against teams that, like us, will play at the European Championship in Latvia and Lithuania. "Two of these teams are England and Turkey, who are in our group." The event in Spain is a big opportunity for all the players trying to impress and make the final squad. "We have 14 players and I will make my final decisions before departing to Lithuania, where we will have some friendly games," the Italy coach said. "I expect important steps (from my players) in Spain." Italy take on Turkey on Friday, Spain on Saturday and England on Sunday. Italy squad for Guadalajara tournament: Jacopo Bristot, Fabio Cuccarese, Daniel Donzelli, Diego Flaccadori, Giovanni Lenti, Martino Mastellari, Federico Mussini, Alberto Navarini, Pierfrancesco Oliva, Andrea Gennaro Picarelli, Riccardo Rossato, Andrea Spera, Matteo Trovato and Dario Zucca. |