Kaka: ''Kazakhstan will face Italy, but we are ready to fight for the Euro''

- Despite the fact that Italy did not compete in the last World Cup, everyone knows that this is a strong national team with experienced players. The Italian team wants to return to the leading position in world futsal, so we are waiting for a very interesting confrontation.

To be honest, manyof us were surprised that out of eight teams, Kazakhstan would beat Italy. We will prepare for this match, because this is our chance to promote to the European Championship.

If you ask any team and any coaching staff, they will all say that it is better to play the second leg at home. In terms of mentality and psychology to play the second leg at home is a big advantage, but this fact does play a role for the first leg, we will definitely try to win in the first match as well.'' - said Kaka.

Kazakhstan national team will face Italy. The two-legged tie will be played between September 15–24. While the ten main round group winners (including Slovenia) progressed directly to the finals to join Latvia and Lithuania from 20 January to 7 February 2026, the eight play-off teams (the best runners-up) were drawn into four ties. The winners of these matches will advance to the final stage of EURO 2026.

UEFA has adjusted the format of the tournament: Slovenia was included in the number of host countries after Latvia and Lithuania decided not to hold matches with the national team of Belarus on their territory.