Alex Meret and Emil Audero assure they don’t find it difficult going into the European U21 Championships competing for the gloves. “We are friends.”
The tournament kicks off with Italy facing Spain in Bologna on Sunday evening, but it’s still not clear who will be in goal, the Napoli shot-stopper or Sampdoria ‘keeper.
“Audero and I have known each other for a long time, we are friends, working together is a pleasure. I always train with the thought of playing, but if it’s not that weekend, it’ll be the game after,” said Meret in his Press conference.
“I dream of playing the Euro Under-21 Championship Final in my home town of Udine. I just hope bad luck with injuries will finally leave me alone. I think Italy has the best ‘school’ for goalkeepers in the world and it’s no coincidence we’ve always had an abundance of great ‘keepers coming through. There’s tradition behind it, study, hard work and passion.
“As a kid, I adored Buffon and it’s thanks to him that I am in goal now. Lately, I really like Samir Handanovic, but try to learn from everyone.”
As for Audero, he has played most of the recent friendlies because of Meret’s various injury issues.
“Whoever gets to play is lucky, but friendship and respect are the keys to dealing with this situation,” said the former Juventus youth product.
“On the one hand, not knowing who the first choice is can make things more complicated, but on the other it forces you to give more in every training session.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma would’ve added further competition to the mix, but Coach Gigi Di Biagio confirmed the decision was made with senior Italy boss Roberto Mancini that “his journey with the Under-21 side has concluded.”
