A goalkeeper who has long been considered one of the top ten in the Italian league, and a relentless midfielder, joining defence and attack, whose late goal against Israel sealed a crucial victory on the path to the upcoming World Cup. Marco Carnesecchi and Sandro Tonali were this morning’s guests on Azzurri Live, the format hosted by Barbara Cirillo and Federico Mosca, broadcast on the FIGC’s social channels and now on its eleventh episode.

This training camp is going really well: we’ve had two very intense days of training, and even today we’re ready to get on the pitch.” Noted Carnesecchi. Tonali added, “The coach inspires a love for the Azzurri shirt in us, but above all, the motivation we need in training to be really competitive. In the sessions we do, it’s very intense; the gap between training and match intensity has been reduced even further.”

Carnesecchi then reflected on his first time being called up for the Azzurri at the Federale Technical Centre: “Arriving at Coverciano for the first time was an incredible feeling…You walk down the corridors and see photos of players who have been here and made Azzurri history. It really makes you think about how amazing everything you’re experiencing is…” He also shared a few thoughts about his captain and teammate in goal: “Taking it day by day, you realise how much Donnarumma cares about the Azzurri and always performing well. He has incredible mental resilience.”

  

“Paul Scholes said I’m the best midfielder in the Premier League? That’s always nice to hear, it’s a great feeling,” Tonali smiled before adding, “Every match is important, especially after the defeat against Norway. We know exactly how much every game matters, and we’re taking it on one game at a time.” He also shared an anecdote from his childhood: “When I was a kid, I had a mug with photos of Gattuso on it. Then disaster struck… it broke.. and I glued it back together just to have it again.”