Cigarini says Sweden are there for taking

One pass in Italy's opening game against Serbia was enough to show why many consider Luca Cigarini to be the new Andrea Pirlo.

Splendid ball
The Italy playmaker, 22, who spent the last Serie A campaign with Atalanta BC, found a gap in the Serbia defence with a long ball which sent Sebastian Giovinco one-on-one with Željko Brkić. The forward failed to trouble the Serbia goalkeeper with what proved to be the Azzurrini's last opportunity of the game, leaving Pierluigi Casiraghi's side relieved to escape with a 0-0 draw in the end. However, Cigarini – a former Parma FC youth player – told uefa.com he was satisfied with the Azzurrini's performance, and hopes they can be "more clinical" against hosts Sweden on Friday.

uefa.com: How do you rate Italy's performance against Serbia?

Cigarini: It was a positive debut for us. We played a good game against very strong opponents. It was an entertaining game and the draw was a fair result. The standard of our performance will encourage us to play with a better spirit in our next matches.

uefa.com: What did you like the most and what do you think you should improve?

Cigarini: I liked the way we remained compact for the whole game. We defended very well, allowing them only two opportunities in 90 minutes. Maybe we have to improve in front of goal and try to be more clinical. We had three or four good chances, and one of them was huge. In this kind of tournament you have to score whenever you have a chance.

uefa.com: The chance came from a great pass by you ...

Cigarini: If he had scored, my assist would have been more appreciated (laughing). I cannot say anything bad about Giovinco as he deserves most of the credit for the fact that we are here playing in this tournament. It doesn't matter who missed a chance; what's crucial is that next time we have to put the ball in.

uefa.com: Now you are facing a Swedish side which defeated 5-1 Belarus in their opening game ...

Cigarini: We watched the first half before our game against Serbia and we saw a very good Swedish side. They are tight and organised and they have two dangerous forwards. I don't want to sound arrogant, but if we play well I don't think there are many teams as good as us.

uefa.com: Marcus Berg scored a hat-trick. What do you know about him?

Cigarini: Honestly, I had not heard of him until we had a team talk ahead of this tournament. He seems like a very good striker and he confirmed that against Belarus; scoring in the first game is always great for a striker, and he scored a hat-trick.

uefa.com: How important will the home fans be for Sweden?

Cigarini: Obviously this is an advantage for them but we are all used to playing in Serie A with bigger stadiums and more volatile atmospheres than you have here. It won't be a problem. Sweden are a good side but they will be worried about us.

uefa.com: You were in the Italy squad at the 2007 finals but did not play. How does it feel to have a key role this time around?

Cigarini: It's wonderful. This tournament gives you the chance to show your class to the whole of Europe. You take on great players and it's good for improving your game. It's a fantastic experience for every player in the tournament.

uefa.com: Which footballer inspires you the most?

Cigarini: My idol was Zinédine Zidane but then I realised that our roles were not quite the same so now my favourite player is Pirlo. I don't think there is anyone as good as him in the position we play in. A player like Pirlo can change a game completely in one second with his creativity. I hope I will be able to do the same.