It's been a tough couple of years for the Italian national team. For the first time since 1958 the 4 times World Cup winners failed to qualify for the tournament after losing to Sweden in the play-offs, going down 1-0 on aggregate. That was one of the darkest days in Italian football history and it ensured in a difficult 2018, with them having to watch the World Cup from home. That prompted the retirement of the great GIanluigi Buffon and their new look squad is under a lot of pressure to succeed and qualify for the next European Championships, as Italy bid to prove that their still one of the world heavyweights.
Italy's form since losing in World Cup qualification has been patchy to say the least, with them winning just one of their previous six games in all competitions - beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 at the end of May. But despite their struggles over the last couple of years they appear to be in good spirits. Today on Instagram Genoa and Azzaurri defender Domenico Criscito posted a video in his hotel room before their UEFA Nations League clash with Poland on Friday, alongside attacking duo Lorenzo Insigne and Mario Balotelli.
The pair are known to be two of the jokers of the squad and the Napoli man (Insigne) got one over on the former Premier League forward today. When talking to Criscito in the room, Balotelli goes over to the curtains were Insigne jumps out and startles him - much to the surprise of the 28 year-old! Italian fans watching will be hoping that Insigne can shock the Polish players just like he did his counterpart on this video come Friday night!
Watch the footage below: (Video courtesy of domenicocriscito8691)
