Austria striker Marko Arnautovic had some bold remarks ahead of the game versus Italy. Goal.com originally transcribed his presser: “Everybody thinks it will end poorly against the Azzurri. They have not conceded in 11 games, but we must not focus on that. We will not go to London on vacation: we want to advance.”
The forward commented on the Italy duo in the back, although Giorgio Chiellini is questionable to play. “What he and Leonardo Bonucci accomplished playing together is incredible, but I am not scared of them.” The Juventus defender resumed practicing somewhat regularly following a thigh problem. However, Francesco Acerbi might still get the start Saturday to allow him to heal fully.
Arnautovic continued: “We will face an exceptional team; you just need to look at clubs of their players to understand their quality. Roberto Mancini is an outstanding coach. However, this is a knockout game, it lasts 90 minutes, and we must not fear them. It does not matter if you have 20, 25, or 32 years. Reaching the Round of 16 is a truly important goal for Austria.”
Arnautovic, who was part of the Inter treble team, should soon head back to Italy. Bologna are pressing to sign him on a free after his stint in China, SportMediaset reports They have reached an agreement on his contract and are waiting for Shanghai Port to release him. The Felsinei have been looking for a prolific starter for years and recently bid farewell to Rodrigo Palacio. He had just three appearances with the Nerazzurri back when he was 20.