Menichelli unconcerned by Italy's Turkey travails

Roberto Menichelli, Italy coach
It was not an easy victory; we knew it wouldn't be simple. Turkey demonstrated that they are a good team. Indeed, I congratulate them on their recent good results, such as those in the Baku tournament [last month]. We knew they would defend and play on the counterattack and that is what happened during the game.

We had many chances to score but we didn't take advantage of many − we have to be more determined. It's also true that it's not easy to attack when a team stays compact within ten metres of its goal. However, it was important to get the three points, we did the job and we are happy. Now we have a few days in order to adjust things for Russia.

In the first half we conceded from their first and only chance, so you become a little anxious. I didn't ever fear we wouldn't win but, for sure, sometimes games develop in a way that is difficult to resolve.

Luca Ippoliti, Italy goalscorer
These are more important goals than the one I scored against Belgium at the last UEFA Futsal EURO because as soon as the game started we were 1-0 down. We were patient and the score could have been bigger. The important thing, however, was to take home the three points, which is what we did.

Ömer Kaner, Turkey coach
As I've said before, we're new, it's our first experience of this competition and it's not easy for the team. It's the European Championship finals and they are very excited, they want to do more. I know my players − they can hold the ball and do a lot of things with it, but we played against Italy, a good team who play very quickly. They didn't give us much space, so we had to defend.

It's possible to defend very well but you can always make a mistake and, when you do, you concede. I didn't tell my team to defend − we had to push Italy into their half. We had to play there but they got behind us very well and very quickly. That's why I'm not sad; I'm happy with my players.

We have very successful players in Turkey who can play with the ball but we were up against Italy and they couldn't show their [true] qualities. In futsal Italy can score five goals but at 2-1 we had a chance to equalise. If we had made it 2-2 it may have finished that way.

Yasin Erdal, Turkey captain and goalscorer
We knew it was going to be a tough match. Italy have a lot more experience than Turkey, especially in big tournaments. We played well for most of the game but we didn't manage to keep our early lead. We'll keep fighting and try to give our best against Russia [on Friday].