Italy-Croatia Euro qualifier in risk of wash-out

A training session of the Italian national team at the San Siro has been cancelled due to heavy rain.

Milan, Nov 16 (IANS) The Euro 2016 qualifier between Italy and Croatia could be washed out as Milan is being hit by flash floods.

The match is to kick off Sunday night provided the weather permits, reports Xinhua.

Torrential rain brought flash floods to the streets of Milan Saturday afternoon and authorities warn more is on the way.

"If we have the pitch like this at San Siro, then the game will have to be called off as the ball simply won't bounce," Croatia manager Niko Kovac said Saturday night.

Italy head coach Antonio Conte hoped the weather improves so that the match would go on as planned.

"We hope that the weather could become better and the field's conditions will be acceptable to us and our opponents."

He said his side was prepared to get a positive result from Croatia.

"I hope we will put in a great performance regardless of who steps on to the field," he said.

"I will simply say that we studied Croatia, so know their strengths and weaknesses, and we must bring our own qualities to the game," he added.