For Italy's coach Giampiero Ventura, "complete calm" is the descriptor used for the current state of the team. Ventura gave his thoughts in the press conference ahead of the qualifier with Albania, which follows Italy's draw with Macedonia. The poor result has been the genesis of much criticism for Ventura, but it wasn't present the coach's outlook on the situation: "I expect progress from the Macedonia match. We have a lot of room for improvement. We could do more in some phases, but at the end we cannot be upset about. We are happy with the whole. We must win also so that we have a chance at a seeded ranking for the playoff." The coach also spoke to Sky Sport 24, giving his thoughts about some of the recent troubles in his position at the helm: "When I started this adventure I said that the national team needed to see a generational change. It was an older team, but I couldn't move away from such stalwarts as Buffon, Bonucci, Chiellini and De Rossi, who have been a part of and still are making history. No depression after the draw against Macedonia. I had understanding with those stars, who they call senators, and they have shown to have been important men and I thank them. It was important to bring back balance and serenity to play in this play-off, because Italy has to go to the World Cup. We need to see a different Italy from the one Friday. Sometimes you want it, but you don't succeed. This is an extraordinarily positive and united group. Some of our important players are missing, they give you the experience which helps the young players. Sometimes this will cost you, but there is will and heart." Ventura also responded to the idea of the players-only meeting, which was also confirmed by Buffon: "It happens in the biggest clubs too, we discussed it together and I hope that this will inspire successful results. Everything that happened was approved by the staff and the coach. And it's all been verified with the facts out there."
