Italy will be seeded for the
European World Cup qualifying playoff draw after a second-half
strike by Antonio Candreva earned them a laboured 1-0 win in
Albania on Monday.
It was, however, another unconvincing performance from the
Azzurri, who were held 1-1 by Macedonia on Friday.
Italy finished Group G second with 23 points from 10 games,
five points behind Spain, who qualified directly for next year's
tournament in Russia.
"We achieved the objectives set for us," said coach Gian
Piero Ventura.
"I'm happy for the lads because they always gave a lot.
"It's important for all of us to make the World Cup.
"This is an important group of players, we have some limits
at the moment, but there was a desire to try things.
"I was confident when the situation was dramatic and I'm even
more so now".
Candreva was also upbeat.
"After the Macedonia match, we were looking to come back, we
spoke about it and stuck together as we also have the playoffs
coming up," the Inter winger said.
"We produced a positive effort, winning is never simple.
"It's important for all of us to go to the World Cup, it will
take sacrifice, humility and the Italian spirit which
distinguishes us."
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