MONTPELLIER, France, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese coach Jia Xiuquan told a pre-match press conference here on Monday that he expects a balanced performance but better attack from his squad against Italy.
The 1999 runners-up face the Italians in the round of 16 at the FIFA Women's World Cup here on Tuesday, as the Steel Roses advanced from Group B as one of the best third-place teams and Italy topped Group C.
"We did a good job in defense in the past three games, but a good game is all about balance between attacking and defending. I want my players to be better in attack and I believe they can make it when facing Italy," Jia said.
Italy's media officer Eugenio Berliri earlier told Xinhua that he's impressed with China's tough back as the Steel Roses managed to keep their sheet clean in their last Group B match against Spain's 24 shooting attempts.
Among all the teams that have scored so far in France, China are the least scoring and conceding team with one goal for and one against.
"With the tournament going on, my players are getting better adapted and are going to perform more balanced against Italy. I believe in their capabilities and determinations," Jia said.
"I think my teammates and I are able to play good attacking game in a way of our own, and we were just not showing all we have in the previous matches," echoed China's star player Wang Shuang.
"Coach Jia has told us repeatedly to be more confident, especially when a chance is coming in the pitch, and we'll try our best to make it happen when facing Italy," added the Paris Saint-Germain playmaker.
Le Azzurre is taking their first World Cup campaign in 20 years since they failed to make the finals after finishing the ninth in World Cup USA in 1999 and the inaugurate one on the sixth place in 1991 in China.
The Chinese coach, however, refused to underestimate the rivals for a little bit.
"I can't say we are more experienced than Italy," he said. "In our opinions, the Italians are always strong, even without a single appearance in the past 20 years. And they have progressed rapidly in the last two years."
"We need to be 200 percent to match with our opponents," he added.
