'They will wait for our mistakes and we have to be careful': Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella wary of Finland test as Azzurri start Euro 2020 qualifying
- Italy open their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign against Finland on Saturday
- Azzurri also have Greece, Bosnia, Liechtenstein and Armenia in their group
- They are looking to redeem themselves after failing to make the World Cup
- Cagliari's Nicolo Barella won't be taking any chances against the Finns
Nicolo Barella believes Italy face a tricky start to their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign against Finland.
The 22-year-old Cagliari midfielder is one of the newcomers in Roberto Mancini's Italy squad as they look to bounce back after missing out on last summer's World Cup.
A play-off defeat by Sweden kept Italy out of the tournament for the first time since 1958.
![Nicolo Barella of Italy is wary of the challenges in their qualifying group for Euro 2020](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/03/22/15/11329590-6839613-image-a-56_1553268626727.jpg)
Nicolo Barella of Italy is wary of the challenges in their qualifying group for Euro 2020
![Italy coach Roberto Mancini out on the training ground ahead of Saturday's game with Finland](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/03/22/15/11329748-6839613-image-a-64_1553268695169.jpg)
Italy coach Roberto Mancini out on the training ground ahead of Saturday's game with Finland
Mancini's men start as Group J favourites as they turn their attention to the European Championship, but Barella is taking nothing for granted in Saturday's opening qualifier against Finland.
'Finland is a compact team and strong off the ball,' he said at a press conference according to the national team's website.
'They will wait for our mistakes and we will have to be careful.'
On the development of young players by the manager, he added: 'Mancini is giving us so much and trust is the most important thing.'
Italy will be without Roma's Alessandro Florenzi and Fiorentina forward Federico Chiesa.
![The Italy players are given instructions during training by 54-year-old head coach Mancini](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/03/22/15/11150810-6839613-The_Italy_players_are_given_instructions_by_54_year_old_head_coa-a-65_1553268751875.jpg)
The Italy players are given instructions during training by 54-year-old head coach Mancini
![Marco Verratti (right) took part in the training session at Coverciano Sports Centre in Florence](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/03/22/15/11150834-6839613-Marco_Verratti_right_took_part_in_the_training_session_at_Coverc-a-67_1553268755810.jpg)
Marco Verratti (right) took part in the training session at Coverciano Sports Centre in Florence
![Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini prepares ahead of the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/03/18/19/11151326-0-image-m-28_1552936511345.jpg)
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini prepares ahead of the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers
![Leonardo Bonucci's Italy will look to recover from a dreadful World Cup qualifying campaign](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/03/22/15/11150816-6839613-Leonardo_Bonucci_s_Italy_will_look_to_recover_from_a_dreadful_Wo-a-69_1553268759513.jpg)
Leonardo Bonucci's Italy will look to recover from a dreadful World Cup qualifying campaign
![Veteran striker Fabio Quagliarella (left) has been selected instead of Mario Balotelli](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/03/22/15/11150812-6839613-Veteran_striker_Fabio_Quagliarella_has_been_selected_instead_of_-a-70_1553268761114.jpg)
Veteran striker Fabio Quagliarella (left) has been selected instead of Mario Balotelli
Left back Cristiano Biraghi told the national team website: 'We have a difficult race ahead, but we have to win.'
Finland travel to Udine on the back of topping a Nations League group that contained Hungary, Greece and Estonia, and they will look to carry on that momentum against the Italians.
Captain Tim Sparv believes Markku Kanerva's side will have to start strong and defend well to secure something from the game.
Sparv told the national team's website: 'The last couple of years have been difficult for them, they will certainly be motivated to play against us.
'If we keep our shape and defend as a team, we have a good chance to make life in Italy difficult.'
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