ANTONIO CONTE, the head coach of Italy, believes crossing swords with Scotland is the perfect preparation for his side’s upcoming Group E encounter with the Republic of Ireland at the European Championships.
Conte, who will take charge of Chelsea following this summer’s showpiece event in France, has dubbed Gordon Strachan’s side “physical”.
The former Juventus coach has named a 30-man squad for the encounter against Scotland in Malta on May 29. He will trim that down to a list of 23 two days later.
Italy will take on Belgium, Sweden - who he likened to another of their pre-tournament friendly opponents, Finland - and the Irish at Euro 2016.
In the most talked about omissions from the party, there is no room for the likes of Mario Balotelli or Major League Soccer duo Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco.
“With Scotland, we will face a team which is also physical, like we expect from Ireland,” remarked Conte. “This fixture will give us a better idea of what to expect.”
Meanwhile, Italy stalwart Giorgio Chiellini is adamant France, Scotland’s friendly opponents in Metz on June 4, are favourites to lift the trophy on home soil.
“I want to play France,” stated the Juventus defender. “Hopefully, we meet them as late in the competition as possible. They are the hosts, I believe they are also the favourites to win the tournament, and so I hope to face them.”
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