FLYING Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso and Nigeria Football Federation technical director Austin Eguavoen are confident the team will get a positive result in their FIFA U-20 World Cup clash against Italy tomorrow night.
The Nigerian side battle the Italians in a Group D clash in Mendoza, Argentina, both teams having won their opening games at the same venue on Sunday.
While the Flying Eagles came from behind to beat Dominican Republic 2-1, Italy raced to a 3-0 lead against Brazil and had to hold off the five-time champions to win 3-2.
Bosso promised that the Flying Eagles will take the fight to the young Azzurri, who won over many admirers with their first-half display against Brazil.
“We stayed back after our match against the Dominican Republic to watch the Italy match against Brazil, and we took a lot of notes from there,” he said.
“The Italians have the midfield machinery to outrun any team that is flustered by their pace and organisation, but we will know how to deal with that.
“We have the boys who can neutralise their mortal armoury and deliver some blows of our own. Wednesday’s encounter will be interesting. We will respect them but we don’t fear any team at this championship.”
Former Super Eagles captain and head coach Eguavoen told thenff.com that the Flying Eagles’ approach tomorrow will be key to getting a result against the 2019 semi-finalists.
“The Italians are a good side but nothing is given in football until a match is played and ends,” Eguavoen said.
“It is about the set-up, about the structure of your team and how much you bring to bear what you have noticed about the other team. I’m happy our coaches saw the Italians play the Brazilians and it is now left for us all to put our heads together and devise a winning plan.”
The Italians top Group D ahead of the Flying Eagles on goals scored and a win guarantee passage to the round of 16 for either side.
“Our mantra is full concentration and once we achieve that and follow through with our game plan, we will get a result,” Bosso added.
Nigeria and Italy will play at the Estadio Malvinas Argentina from 3pm local time (7pm Nigerian time) tomorrow.
