Italy’s national team coach, Luciano Spalletti, recently held a press conference to discuss the upcoming Nations League match against France. The Azzurri need to avoid a loss by more than two goals to secure first place in their group.
Spalletti expressed his gratitude towards Inter Milan for their support, stating, “First of all, I thank Inter for providing us with excellent facilities. They also made available the Carboni team for practice. I felt well taken care of here.”
Reflecting on the legendary Gigi Riva, Spalletti remarked, “He was a man of action. His nickname, ‘Thunderbolt,’ was perfect for him. His silence made noise; his powerful shots spoke volumes. We need to adopt a similar approach and let our qualities shine without excessive chatter.”
When asked about the potential role of Nicolò Barella as a trequartista, Spalletti explained the tactical considerations: “The design starts from a quality perspective. To play well, we need players who can interpret the game. Midfielders always have something extra; they must sense the spaces that open up. The game is no longer as orderly as it used to be; teams press hard, and we must navigate tighter spaces.”
Discussing his team’s performance, he stated, “We have 11 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses. I believe we only got one game wrong—the match against Switzerland. I carry that defeat with me and take full responsibility for it.” He emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes: “If you don’t do things right, a setback is just around the corner.”
Spalletti also highlighted the spirit within the team: “The joy of a group includes those who don’t play but are happy for their teammates’ success. It’s crucial that we recognize their commitment and attachment to the jersey.”
As for the upcoming match against France, he noted, “It will be easy for them to attempt to win the group. We must avoid complacency; a draw should only come if neither team secures a victory.”
On tactical changes, Spalletti mentioned that he would keep the core of his lineup intact but acknowledged that players like Moise Kean could play a vital role: “He could be in the squad; he’s in great shape and excels at attacking space while also holding up play.”
He praised Daniel Maldini’s potential impact on the team: “Maldini has something extraordinary about him; he possesses the substance to create something special.”
Looking back at Italy’s defeat against Switzerland, Spalletti stated firmly, “That loss will stick with me; not even World Cup qualification can erase it. It serves as a reminder that if you don’t perform well, consequences await.”
In conclusion, Spalletti expressed his intent to maintain continuity in tactics: “The idea is to keep the framework from our last match.” As Italy prepares for this critical encounter with France, Spalletti’s focus remains on fostering a strong team spirit and executing effective football strategies.
