FRANCE 98 – Italy – A. Costacurta: “If we don't do what we have to do, we'll be going back to Italy”

Comments from the Mixed Zone

Alessandro COSTACURTA (5):

“We have to approach this game against AUSTRIA in the right frame of mind. It isn’t an easy match. If we don’t do what we have to do, we’ll be going back to Italy. We’re expecting a very physical encounter. ITALY has always won against AUSTRIA, but that doesn’t mean a thing. They’re very professional, they never let go and always keep going till the final whistle. They’ve shown this in the last two matches”.

Luigi DI BAGIO (14):

“I don’t mind what position I play in. The main thing is to play tomorrow against AUSTRIA and to take part in this World Cup. I’m ready to give my very best for the Italian team. To finish on top of the group, we have to win. This way we will avoid meeting BRAZIL in the round of sixteen”.

Alessandro DEL PIERO(10):

“I’m ready physically and I can play a bigger part in the competition. I’m very happy to be playing alongside VIERI (21). I’ve already played with him in the ITALY under-21 team and at Juventus. We must win tomorrow’s match. We are one step away from qualification but we must commit ourselves physically tomorrow. We can’t afford a draw against AUSTRIA. As for a defeat … don’t even mention it”.

Paolo MALDINI (Captain – 3):

“We don’t consider ourselves to be qualified yet. Tomorrow’s match is fundamental. All the teams are dangerous. AUSTRIA is one of those small teams that can produce a great match”.