The day before the decisive Euro-2024 qualification match against Italy, head coach of Ukraine's national team Serhiy Rebrov held a press conference.

"Tomorrow is a decisive match for Euro qualification. Both teams need to win. How thoroughly have all mistakes from the first game with Italy been addressed?"

"Not both teams need a win. We reviewed our previous game, which was very important. There's also information about the encounter with North Macedonia. I'm confident that the players are ready; it will be a different match. Tomorrow there will be tremendous support from Germany at the stadium. A victory is all we need. Considering this, we'll build our strategy."

"Ukraine needs a win, while Italy only needs a draw. How might this affect the course of events? Did you consider that Italy could give up initiative and play on counterattacks?"

"We considered many tactics from our side. How will Italy play? They have very useful players capable of playing both defensively and offensively; it's an intense team. They played two days ago, but there are always several squads in Italy. We must be prepared for an intense game. We've already made decisions, and tomorrow we'll provide the players with information on how we'll play. I don't think Italy will aim for a draw tomorrow. That's not their style or their coach."

"Are you satisfied with the friendly match against 'Lechia' in Gdansk? Did this encounter hinder preparation for Italy? Why was that game played behind closed doors?"

"This is a friendly match, not with the national team. It was direct preparation for the match against Italy. By the way, we planned this meeting, but we were not very willing to play on the 17th, two days before the official match. I consider it a very useful game for us ahead of the encounter with Italy; fortunately, no one got injured."

"Over the past weekend, we saw our players shine in top leagues. Does this add positivity to the team compared to previous training sessions?"

"I've been working with Ukraine's national team for a short time. I really like the atmosphere in the squad despite club issues. It's an entirely different task and responsibility towards our country, people. I can't say how the atmosphere has changed. These goals and such great performances as Shakhtar's win over Barcelona will give confidence to players before the match with Italy."

"How high do you consider Ukraine's chances of qualifying for Euro-2024? What will be your overall approach to tomorrow's game?"

"I think we have good chances. This match will differ from the one at 'San Siro' because this time the entire stadium will support us. I remember when we played a friendly in Bremen; there was such support. I'm confident tomorrow's atmosphere will be similar. Of course, it affects players' psychology and motivation. I believe we have good chances. I always tell the players not to fear losing but to fear not doing enough for victory. So we must show our strength and demonstrate our best game."

"What does playing this final match in Germany mean to you and your country?"

"We're very grateful for the support from the country, city where we play. I remember when we played a friendly game in Bremen. I'm sure Ukrainians will support us. We'll play our last qualification group match here because many Ukrainians live in Germany and locals support us. I'm confident tomorrow's atmosphere will be great."

"What does qualifying for Euro-2024 mean to people in Ukraine? What messages do you send to the world by playing on such a stage?"

"We always play for our people who need support now. In these one and a half years of war, they lack emotional support that sports can provide — football especially. Many will support us tomorrow, and we'll feel it. We play for them, for our army, for those defending our freedom. Of course, my players understand why and for whom we're playing. I don't think they need extra motivation. You can see the motivation in the players when they step onto the field with Ukraine's flag."

"Who would you like to have in your squad from Italy's national team?"

"I greatly respect Italy's national team, but I believe in my boys. I don't need players from Italy. We have a very good group. But we all understand the strength of the Italian team, where the best players from around the world are gathered. We respect our opponents, but I'm really happy to work with my boys."

"How responsible is this match against such a team as Italy?"

"One thing — playing Malta and North Macedonia, with all respect for these countries. Another — playing England or Italy. Of course, it's not just responsibility but also an opportunity to show ourselves. I think we did well in our home game against England. But on the road against Italy, I believe we made many mistakes. So tomorrow we must be more focused and responsible."

"Did you speak with President Zelensky before the match?"

"No, I didn't talk to him; I think he has more important things right now. He always supports us and wishes us luck; he's very interested in football. Of course, he has more pressing matters, we understand that. But we play not for Zelensky but for our people who support us. All national team players are ready for tomorrow."

Recall, the Euro-2024 qualification match between Ukraine and Italy will take place on November 20 at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany (kick-off at 9:45 PM Kyiv time).