- Angelo Ogbonna believes Italy can upset the odds and impress at Euro 2016
- Hammer says Antonio Conte's side have tactical and defensive strength to do well
- West Ham United centre-half speaking ahead of Monday's Group E opener against Belgium
The future Chelsea manager has, according to the Italian media, a tough task on his hands due to the perceived lack of world-class talent in his squad. Italy are 16/1 shots, making them eighth-favourites behind France, Germany, Spain, England, Belgium, Portugal and Croatia.
However, West Ham United centre-half Ogbonna has backed Conte’s Azzurri to overcome the scepticism and qualify from a Group E that also contains Monday’s opponents Belgium, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.
“We always give 120 per cent, because that is only right,” said the former Torino and Juventus defender. “We are working very hard and I think the coach is the added value, as he never lets a single detail pass unnoticed.
“This makes us have the right mentality to face these Euros, where on paper we might be on an inferior level to some other teams, but nothing can be taken for granted.
“We are keeping the same determination from the first day to the last.”
Italy finished as runners-up at Euro 2012, with Ogbonna watching on from the bench as an unused substitute.
While he may have to wait for an opportunity again this time around – Juventus trio Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci will start in a back three – Ogbonna nonetheless has confidence that Italy’s defence will be their strength in France.
“The defence is the best-drilled area of the team,” he continued. “It can be our strong point, but it too has to be trained well.”
Cassino-born Ogbonna has earned eleven senior caps for Italy since making his debut as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Poland in November 2011.
Italy’s Euro 2016 opener kicks-off at the Stade de Lyon at 20.00 BST and will be shown live on BBC1 – three hours after Darren Randolph’s Ireland take on Sweden in the other Group E fixture at the Stade de France in Paris on the same channel.