Niko Kovač: "Argentina is a challenge, and our priority is Italy"

Croatia head coach Niko Kovač prepares a friendly match with Argentina and a qualifier against Italy. Both opponents are world-class teams, with Argentina playing the World Cup final in Brazil and narrowly losing to Germany, while Italy is claiming win after win on the road to EURO 2016, the same as Croatia.

Croatia's list of candidates for the Argentina friendly (not bolded) and Italy in @EuroQualifiers! #BeProud pic.twitter.com/4Oduuvhut8

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"National teams have to financed through friendlies as well, and we will approach Argentina very seriously, especially since they are bringing their best players. We are not afraid, Argentina represents a challenge for our players, to see who can cope with that kind of opponent. If there is not enough motivation in them, they are in the wrong business. This will not be Croatia's reserve team, most of these players have already been a part of national team", explained Kovač.

Part of Croatia squad will travel to London on Monday, while the other 13 players will stay in Zagreb to prepare for the Italy encounter. Upon return to Croatia, head coach Kovač and 10 to 12 players will join the final preparations for the Sunday qualifier.

"Basically, I will miss just one training session. We have already prepared a plan and there will not be any problems. The national leagues are very demanding, and our priority is Italy. We want to be fully prepared for that match", said Kovač.

Trip to San Siro will be a very difficult task for Croatia, but Kovač believes in his squad's abilities.

"Italy will be at their best in front of their fans. Antonio Conte implemented many of his quality ideas in the national team and we will do all that we can to answer them. We want to add more points to our tally, yet we cannot say that we will easily beat Bulgaria, or Italy, or any other opponent. However, we feel optimistic, the atmosphere in the team is good and I hope that we can show that at San Siro", said Croatia head coach.

Kovač included seven Rijeka players: "Since Matjaž Kek took over at Rijeka, they play very well and they are doing well in Europa League as well. These players can cope with the greatest clubs in Europe".

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