Raspadori urges Italy to "look forward" despite missing on World Cup

The 22-year-old striker earned 13 senior caps for

after his early breaking-through at Sassuolo.

was a part of Italy’s Euro-winning squad in 2020 as he scored 18 goals and provided further 9 assists across three Serie A seasons.

The Italy international earned a loan move to

Napoli

with an obligation to purchase for €25m this summer, along with another €5m in various performance-related bonuses.

Ahead of Italy's Nations League clashes with

England

and

Hungary

, Raspadori told a press conference: “

There’s no concern but a desire to do well, to express ourselves at our best.

“It’ll be very heavy, it’s the dream of every child to play a World Cup with the national team. It’ll be a difficult time, but we have to look beyond and build our future.

“Two important matches that come at a time when there are so many games. We have to get there at our best, especially from a physical point of view.”

The Italy international urged his side to react powerfully after failing to qualify for the

2022 World Cup.

He added: “

Yes, they will be difficult but we have to react. We must have enthusiasm to go forward, we cannot dwell too much on what has happened.

“We have to keep working and come back with that enthusiasm and desire to do well.”

In this mental state heading into the international break, the

Napoli

striker added:

“Starting again with those who have been here the longest I think is the right solution, we have to start again.

“Work is the only known way to rebuild, we have to work and follow our path with passion.”

“By having fun on the pitch, we have to play with great ambition. I don’t think enthusiasm has been lacking, but after such a big result I think it’s normal for something to die down.

“It was a lack of ours, a flaw of ours that led us not to achieve a result that was fundamental.”

On

Roberto Mancini

's comments that Raspadori can play two roles in the Azzurri squad, the striker said:

“In the meantime I thank the coach, to be told that I can play more than one role is a source of pride.

“For me, it’s important to remain at the disposal of the team, I have always been generous and I hope I can help as always, the commitment will never be missing.”

“For me with a striker by my side maybe it’s better, but I’ve always played up front and that’s something I can do. I was lucky enough to grow in a club like Sassuolo which gave me the chance to make mistakes, gaining experience has led me to have more self-confidence.

“I can stay closer to the goal, I think I express myself best in the central area of the pitch but I have often also played out wide and I think the coach as always will make the best choices for the good of the team.”

On his move to

Napoli

, Raspadori said:

“Definitely moving to Napoli was a big change, it was what I was looking for. Although I was young I wanted to challenge myself, it was important for my career.

“I’ve always been a very ambitious guy and I’m living everything with balance, that’s the most important thing after both success and failure.

“I started this journey with Napoli to follow my ambition, the advice I can give is not to put limits on yourself, to work without dwelling on what is wrong.”

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