How to win a game with the culture
If you want to play football in Africa, you’ll have to start with the basics: don’t look down on the local players, play football with the right mentality, and take the game seriously.
For the first time, the European Championship kicks off on Saturday (10 February), and it’s an opportunity to try and learn from the most experienced players in Europe.
In a new edition of the Fixture of the Day, the Football Italy, we look at how to overcome a lack of a certain type of player and take advantage of their skill, size and experience.
The new edition also includes a brand-new interview with one of the best young midfielders in the world, Nacer Chadli.
The 25-year-old, who has spent two years in Italy, made his debut at the end of last season, and now has 10 caps for Italy.
In his first match in Italy for Fiorentina, the club’s top-flight side, Chadli had the opportunity to take advantage after a defensive error led to the Italian winger scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Bologna.
After his goal, he explained to us that he had always had an affinity for the Giallorossi, and wanted to play for them again.
“I am very happy for my club and the fans.
I have been with the Gialls for two years and I have learnt a lot,” he said.
“I am proud to represent the team in the national competition and I want to thank my family and all the supporters for supporting me in this difficult time.”
For many young Italians, it’s the first game of a new season and they’re not exactly in a rush to get to grips with the new players.
“It’s not like we’re young, but it’s very important to be comfortable in this moment,” said Giorgio Zorzi, a 24-year old who played in his first professional match at the age of 14.
“There is no time to get excited, you have to keep training and make the necessary improvements.
If you don’t do that, then you’re not going to be ready to play in the next game.”
For Zorzis father, Giovanni, it was just as important as being able to play.
“For me, it is a huge opportunity for me,” he told us.
“This will give me a good opportunity to play against top players.
I hope it’s going to help me a lot, and also give me the opportunity for a good future.”
With the Italian national team already set to face Argentina in the quarter-finals, Zorzei and his teammates need to be able to take part in the game if they want to make it to the next round.
The tournament starts on March 4 and the game takes place on March 11, meaning a two-day break between the two games.
While it’s possible to play your best game against the best, there’s always the chance of having to fight for your place against the strongest opposition.
“When you play against a top team, you’re playing with the best of the rest,” said Zorzes father.
“But when you play in a second division, you can play against worse players.
It is always a test.”
Watch more: Italy v Italy: How to watch live from Rome