Outgoing Italian manager Antonio Conte has opted to dampen down expectations in Italy four days out from Euro 2016.
They can't have been too high in any event. A couple of months back, they were recently slaughtered 4-1 in Munich in a match in which co-commentator Giovanni Trapattoni exclaimed 'porca puttana' in the wake of a(nother) misplaced pass. The phrase means 'Fucking Hell!'
Four years ago, under the stewardship of the aforementioned foul-mouthed co-commentator, Ireland approached the European championships with delusions of adequacy.
While the notion that we might lose to Croatia wasn't even being seriously considered beforehand, the smart fellas, the cutting edge analysts were suggesting, in hushed and conspiratorial tones, that Italy, who we were to play in the final group game, weren't what they were and might be vulnerable.
Italy went on to reach the final.
Four years later, we play Italy in the final group game and people are suggesting that they are not what they were and might be vulnerable.
However, people are even more insistent on Italy's vulnerability this time around. Even their manager has got in on the act.
Conte, who is out the door to Chelsea as soon as Italy exit the tournament, has frankly acknowledged, in an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport, that now is 'not a good moment for Italian football'.
We know that now in Italy it is not a good moment for our football, for the talent available. Because it is very, very difficult to find new young players who are very strong. For this reason, we are working very, very hard to become a good team, a good squad and to play with the right intensity. Good tactics are very important for us and if we able to find this way it is possible for us to be an outsider in this tournament.
Of course, one could interpret this negatively from an Irish standpoint as indicating that the Italians are well steeled against complacency.
Watch the interview below which is in English. Don't be down hearted by the 'Messagio Promoziale' beforehand.
