Former Italian national team manager Gian Piero Ventura has shared his thoughts on the current state of the Azzurri. Speaking to Rai Radio 1, Ventura discussed the upcoming European Championship in Germany and the team’s recent performances.
Reflecting on the previous European Championship, Ventura stated, “It was too ugly to be true, but fortunately it’s definitively behind us. Now the responses are extraordinarily positive, and it wasn’t easy after such a European Championship, especially from a psychological point of view.”
Ventura praised current manager Luciano Spalletti’s approach, saying, “He has been excellent in lightening the mental load and had the courage to build an extremely young team. From the victory in Paris to today, we’ve seen a team that plays as a team, with a game identity and certainty of formation. We can start thinking positively about the future.”
The former coach also highlighted the importance of Sandro Tonali’s return after his long suspension: “His inclusion has been of tremendous importance. He has brought physicality and quality. We’ve seen football that is not only winning in terms of results but also enjoyable and vertical. 80% of these players are all very young, they all have a desire to show themselves. There’s great enthusiasm and willingness to participate. These are all important and positive signals.”
Ventura identified Federico Dimarco as the symbol of Italy’s new path, stating, “I would say Dimarco, at this moment every time he touches the ball he creates situations, he’s going through a moment of great quality and personality.”
Regarding striker Mateo Retegui, Ventura commented, “In some ways, he’s a surprise. He has adapted to what this National team needs. He always knows what to do, has shown the ability to make the team move up and to be found in the area at the right moment. Mancini had a great intuition, but now he’s a completely different player. From Gilardino to Gasperini, he has now acquired knowledge and his growth has been evident.”
