Assistant manager for Italy Alberico Evani was delighted his side overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Nations League group 1 on Wednesday kind courtesy of a 2-0 victory.
The Azzurri extended their unbeaten run to 22 games, 17 of which are victories, with a win at the Grbavica Stadium.
Goals from Andrea Belotti and Domenico Berardi in each half were enough to fire Roberto Mancini’s men to the final four of the competition which is slated to resume next year.
Mancini is still self-isolating at home after testing positive for COVID-19, so assistant manager Evani was on the bench yet again for the third game running.
“We speak every day, so Mancini knows exactly what is going on. These lads gave him a great gift and we are very satisfied,” the Italian told RAI Sport after a 2-0 win in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
“It’ll be wonderful to measure ourselves up against some of the best teams in Europe. We can’t wait, as we want to see what our level is, we think that we got closer to them, and we’ll see on the field.”
He added: “We want to achieve results via good football. That is what we’ve been working on for the last two years and the lads have been simply marvellous. Even without the coach present, they gave their all and are extraordinary lads even more than great players.
“I already thanked them on Monday, as I can only thank them when they give so much for this jersey, with all the difficulties we have been dealing with. To earn three wins, with three convincing performances and excellent football, I can only say thank you.”