A game they shouldn't miss and a qualification to the World Cup they have to get, by all means. Daniele De Rossi seemed decided before Sweden-Italy, first leg of the playoff game to get to Russia. In press conference, the Roma midfielder has talked about the qualities that will be needed to face the Swedish players two times: "We'll need experience, I think that this is one of the most important factors to face a direct opposition. We would also need fury and anger. Our legs aren't shaking, we need these to play these high level games. I didn't fear the time when I played the World Cup final at 22 years old, I'm sure my teammates feel the same way. This isn't even a final. We're strong, we probably are better than Sweden even if there still is that little pinch of fear that is nowadays almost needed in the football as the great players do not only play in the great European teams or in Argentina-Brazil anymore. We have to remain united. We're still very confident in the locker room though".
"We don't fear the two games in three days, we know what resting times are like, a lot of us are already used to playing with our clubs. They also play in Champions League or in Europa League, I don't think that will be a determinant factor. Then, if you got to play a semifinal or a quarter final in a World Cup you still have got there. We're focused on this challenge and only the result will talk".
In the end he speaks about himself: "There has been a moment in which I thought I wouldn't have scored more, when I was backwards: I didn't think I could be the midfielder who scores more in Italian football. My goals can happen on penalties or on set pieces, but aging you get more expert and can also score with headers. My role's evolution has given something more on set pieces. I've done well in the last Euro, I got back to the national team at 33 years old. Playing this playoff is also very important for me, trying to get qualified for another World Cup, it would be my fourth one. I'm not saying I would be a starter but it would be something more in my career. None of us wants to miss that occasion: it would be Buffon's sixth, for other ones their third. We have to go to Russia, because once you're there you can have your chances".
