Lithuania target ‘positive result’ with Italy

Lithuania coach Valdas Ivanauskas is ruled out by COVID-19, but his assistant assures they are seeking ‘a positive result’ in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier with Italy.

It kicks off on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio-Emilia.

Coach Ivanauskas tested positive for COVID-19 and is therefore self-isolating, so assistant manager Tomas Razanauskas took over press conference duties and will be on the bench tomorrow.

“We always want to achieve a positive result in every game, whether it’s against Bulgaria, Northern Ireland or Italy,” he said.

“The lads gave their absolute all against Bulgaria, we defended well, but lacked determination upfront. The positive against Northern Ireland was that we were able to find the net.”

Lithuania have zero points after four matches in World Cup qualifying Group C, scoring one goal and conceding eight.

“We are feeling a little tired psychologically and physically after these two games. It’s going to be difficult, but each of us must find without ourselves the strength to give our best against Italy.”