Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli helmsman Jimmy Spithill vows the America's Cup isn’t lost yet, despite his side trailing Emirates Team NZ 5-3 after Monday's racing.
In a dramatic turn of events, Team NZ came from behind twice, catching the Italians off-guard to close within reach of defending the 'Auld Mug'.
But after already orchestrating one of sport’s greatest comebacks against the Kiwis at San Francisco 2013 - clawing back from 8-1 down to win the America's Cup for Oracle Team USA - Spithill knows as long as there's a mathematical chance, his side are in the contest.
"For us, it's not over," Spithill said afterwards. "We're not at the trophy presentation here, that's for sure.
"We will be going back. We had a little session before we got here, just having a look at what we could have done better... definitely a number of things.
"Because tomorrow looks similar - it looks light - we have to learn, get stronger and come out swinging tomorrow."
Spithill is also confident of an Italian turnaround, preparing to resume his battle with Team NZ from Tuesday.
"We've just got to focus on the next race and that's exactly what we'll do," Spithill added.
"We'll go back tonight, put a good focus on it and we will be stronger for tomorrow.
"There is a lot to learn from today and we'll definitely take all the lessons."
Spithill has also congratulated Team NZ, who twice fought back from the brink of disaster to move two steps closer to retaining the silverware.
"I thought the Kiwis sailed a great race [in] the first one,” he said. “Once they got in front, they really extended.
“And full credit to them for the second race, for hanging tough, getting going again - especially with the smaller jib.
"We have to tip our hats to them for sailing two good races."
Join Newshub for live updates of the America's Cup between Team NZ and Luna Rossa from 4:15pm Tuesday.
