I am in excellent physical condition: Italy's De Rossi

IANS

Rome, June 2 (IANS) Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi on Thursday assured his "physical condition is excellent" as he gets ready to perform at Euro 2016.

De Rossi was selected for the competition, despite concerns over an achilles injury he picked up shortly before the squad was announced, but he believes he is fine shape to play at the tournament in France.

"My physical condition is excellent, despite the discomfort in my tendon," De Rossi was quoted as saying by football-italia.net.

"The discomfort came back due to the pitches being a little heavy, so the tendon became inflamed, but I'm fine on an athletic level."

De Rossi himself believes they are not the favourites to win the trophy but added they are a good team.

"Conte tries to motivate the team as best he can. We're not the favourites, but we have the pride to do well. We're a good team, and we have to believe that we can beat any team," he said.

Italy kick-start their campaign against Belgium on June 13.

--IANS

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