Milan forward Francesco Camarda says he is waiting for his opportunity at club level while using his time with Italy Under-21s to develop and help the team qualify for the European Championship.
Camarda also expressed his strong appreciation for Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini, describing him as an important figure for both himself and the squad.
“The coach is very special to me and the entire team,” Camarda told Rai Sport. “He has taught us a lot on a personal level because he’s not just a coach, but also a very experienced person. He cares a lot about us, and we care about him just as much.
“We follow him and respect him, and personally, I would even go through fire and water for him.”
Asked about Amorim’s “I love Sisse” comment, Camarda praised his team-mate and friend.
“Sisse is a very good player and a friend of mine, and I’m really happy for him; he deserves it,” he said. “Because he is a very serious person and trains very hard. I am very pleased with his current performance and everything he has done, and I believe he will continue to perform well.”
Camarda also spoke positively about his relationship with Mattia Liberali, having reunited with him after their first separation last year.
“Liberali and I also get along very well off the field,” he said. “After our first separation last year, we’ve kept in touch and chat frequently. He is also a very good player, and it’s really comfortable to play with him on the field.”
Italy’s latest match against Armenia proved difficult, according to Camarda, who said their opponents defended deeply and used rough challenges. Despite creating several opportunities, Italy needed to be more efficient in front of goal before eventually securing goals and victory late in the game.
“That match was difficult because they all dropped back and played a very defensive game, with rough fouls,” he said. “But we also created many chances, which is good, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal.
“We persisted until the end, and I think the effort of these past few days paid off, because goals and victories in the final moments only come when you truly believe.”
Italy face Poland next, and Camarda is confident the squad is prepared.
“This will be a game like any other,” he said. “We will strive for victory while trying to show our worth. We are a strong team and a very united group, so I am not worried about this match, because we are ready.”
On his limited opportunities with Milan, Camarda said he remains patient while making the most of his Under-21 involvement.
“I am just waiting for my moment, while using these U21 matches, firstly to play well at the U21 level, because I value the national team very much, and we all really want to qualify for the European Championship, and secondly for myself,” he said.
Camarda believes Italy can go on to win the European Championship if the squad maintains its collective belief.
“We must believe together, and truly believe,” he added. “We are like a big family, with high quality and great potential, and I think it is achievable.”
