In Silvinho's mouth, the upcoming Europa League opener seems like a double-edged sword, which is not only a litmus test for the opponents, but also a prelude to a psychological war. The Albanian skipper said bluntly that opposite Italy, the cradle of soccer, will face unparalleled psychological pressure.
Looking back at Albania's qualifying tour, Silvinho is not without emotion. Despite their trials and tribulations, he is confident that the team has sharpened its European edge.
Speaking of Italy, Silvinho took a turn for the worse, citing Brazil's draw with Switzerland at the 2018 World Cup as an example of a warning that once Italy loses its opening match, the subsequent challenges will undoubtedly be tougher.
However, he did not forget to mention the confidence of the Albanian team. Despite not having the conspicuous pressure of Italy, they are equally deep in tension. The team is in good health and on the training ground, the players are fully committed and motivated.
Speaking about his personal experience, Silvinho recalled his coaching years in Italy, especially his time as assistant coach of Inter Milan, and he praised the tactical philosophy of Italian soccer.
With the Europa League approaching, Silvinho and his Albanian team are geared up and looking forward to proving themselves on the field against strong teams like Italy.
