"We will not head to Italy as tourists. We want to demonstrate to everyone that we’re a tough opponent to face." This was what Head Coach of Austria’s Under-21 National Team Werner Gregoritsch had to say during his press conference yesterday in Klagenfurt. He was joined at the event by the President of the Austrian FA Leo Windtner, President of the Organising Committee for the Under-21 European Championship Alessandro Costacurta and project leader Andrea Stefani.

'Football and tourism, an Italian summer' was the theme of the conference, which was also attended by many others. As stated by President Windtner, football in Austria means “patience and passion”. Patience was necessary in them qualifying for the U21 European Championship for the first time, while passion will be a must out on the pitch. “The players that are already with the National Team or at international clubs can’t wait to arrive in Italy,” said the President.

Head Coach Gregoritsch also revealed his ambition: “We want to prove that we must be taken seriously. We’re a surprise outfit.” As for Costacurta’s input, he said: “We want to prove ourselves not only on the sporting stage, but also in terms of organisation. The U21 European Championship used to be a youth tournament, whereas now, it’s a great event.”