Kovač: "Croatia will not lose its head"

Croatia national football team will meet Gibraltar in a friendly match in Varaždin on Sunday, while awaiting the European qualifier against Italy in Split on Friday, 12 June.

"Against Gibraltar, we will try to keep possession and find a way through their defence, which is always difficult, not just for Croatia. We have to try to score early and allow the players to show their quality, as they did throughout the season", said Croatia manager Niko Kovač.

"This is not the best date to face Italy, considering the end of club season, but it is the same problem for both us and them. We can gain a lot from this match, while not having much to lose, and a draw would also be good result for us. Croatia will not lose its head, but we will go for the win - as always", he added.

Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović, teammates from Internazionale, know everything about Italian football and believe Croatia can achieve another positive result after the November draw at San Siro (1:1).

"It will be difficult to play behind closed doors and fan support, but we are motivated and ready. We do not have to fear Italy, yet the Azzurri are a quality team, especially in defence. Modrić, Lovren and Ćorluka will miss the game, but our replacements are also good", said Kovačić.

"Italy, with Pirlo and Verratti back, will be stronger than in Milan, but we will stick to our style of play. We hope to repeat the good performance from San Siro, with lot of possession, only with more direct finishing. That is what we are practicing, hoping to win the match", added Brozović.

Ivan Perišić, the in-form Wolfsburg winger, will be a major threat for the Italians.

"This is probably the first time that both Croatia and Italy will play behind closed doors, and the team that adapts better will probably achieve the better result. We have to keep our heads together, focus, and learn from previous mistakes. I believe we are the better team than Italy, but we have to prove that on the field", he said.

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