After a career spent with a rossoneri shirt, former striker Andriy Shevchenko has begun a new chapter in football as Ukraine national team manager. His team will face a country that has still an important meaning for Shevchenko, Italy: "Italy influenced my life in many ways. I met my wife there and my first-born was born there. Playing against Italy will help us see where we are as a team, but the game against Czech Republic is more imprtant because we could get qualification in that game", Shevchenko said to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Ukrainian also commented Milan's period and their city rivals Inter ahead of the derby: "I am glad that Milan have finally found a direction. Nobody is saying that they must win the Champions League now, but they are getting back to being a competitive side. This is motivating, Milan's professionalism makes me proud. They still have some work to do, but they are going to go back to the top. Gattuso? He is not only "grinta", he showed that he has something to bring to the team. Derby? Inter had a difficult start but now they are getting good results, slowly but surely. Spalletti is a solid coach and Inter has quality players, not only Icardi who is a great striker and a leader. Both Milan and Inter are on the right path, success will come step by step", concluded the coach.
