Cristante: We are optimistic about qualifying for the World Cup. The key to being selected for the national team is to perform well

October 10th: Roma midfielder Cristante was selected for the current Italian national team and attended the press conference with the national team.

How do you feel about returning to the Italian national team? Italy lost 0-1 to North Macedonia in the last World Cup qualifying play-off

I am very happy to be back with the national team. I hope our ending in this qualifier is different from the last one. We are making steady progress, we hope to qualify for the World Cup, we have to play well one game after another, and finally see whether we can win the group top or need to participate in the play-offs.

Italy has missed two consecutive World Cups. Are you confident in qualifying for next year's World Cup?

We are optimistic about advancing because we have a strong team and are full of love for the national team jersey. Gattuso once wrote the history of the national team, and now he passes it on to the team. As for the unfavorable situation in the past, it was caused by various factors. We were also a bit unlucky. For example, we missed the World Cup after winning the European Cup.

Do you know the current coach of the Italian national team Gattuso?

When I first entered the Milan first team, he was still playing football. I see that the current environment of the team is full of passion, the players are eager to improve, and the coach himself is also very passionate. We are working hard in the right way and have a good chance of achieving good results. Some of our players have a lot of experience in European competitions, which can be very important in key decisive games.

What position will you play in the national team?

As long as you join the national team, you have the responsibility to do well. As for the positions on the field, I have tried almost all positions and I will run according to the coach's instructions. I don’t have a particular preference for one position, I adapt well in all positions.

Gasperini achieved very good results immediately after coming to Roma to coach. You have been coached by him in Atlanta in the past.

I rediscovered his tactical concepts, which I have experienced in Atlanta. When I was playing at Atalanta I was a little more forward and now I am a little further back. To me, we're getting close to what he wants us to do with the ball better offensively, we're still a little bit behind on that, but it just needs to improve on a few details.

Roma are currently tied at the top of the Serie A standings, but you are not considered a favorite to win the championship.

In the past few seasons, we have failed to qualify for the Champions League. Napoli won the Serie A title last season. Some teams are more used to being at the top than we are, and I think that's probably why (Roma are not favored).

Do you think the Italian national team should reuse young players?

I think the most important thing for being selected for the national team is strength and performance. This is the key. You need to have a certain amount of experience and have participated in a certain number of games. I think it is reasonable for those players who perform well to be selected for the national team. Of course, young players should also be given some opportunities to help them grow. But the core is still the players who have proven their importance at their respective clubs. There are very few players who are truly indispensable. I focus on my work and just want to show what I can do. The final decision is in the hands of the coach and I just want to be ready at all times.