Napoli and Italian national team defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo addressed the press at Casa Azzurri in Iserlohn, discussing Italy’s upcoming debut at the European Championships and his future, which, according to recent rumors, may see him leave Napoli for Juventus:
“I am very serene. Someone said I’m sad, silent, but these are nonsense. These things are not true, and people want to spread untrue things. I am very serene and ready to face this European Championship with Italy. Then, when the time comes to talk about Napoli, I will do so, I won’t back down. Now, the most important thing is to remain focused on the European Championship.”
Supporting Tamberi and the Italian Athletics Team
Regarding Gianmarco Tamberi and the Italian Athletics Team, Di Lorenzo expressed his support, saying, “Yes, yes, we are following them. I had the fortune of meeting him, and we are cheering for him and the entire Italian National Athletics Team.”
Celebrating Like Tamberi
Di Lorenzo shared his desire to celebrate like Tamberi, stating, “Yesterday, I saw his beautiful celebration… I don’t know, in the National Team, I hope to have the opportunity to celebrate like him after a great victory.”
Guided by Coaches Like Spalletti and Conte
Commenting on the national team coaches, Luciano Spalletti and Antonio Conte, Di Lorenzo said, “Yes, they are certainly two coaches who are having an incredible career. Both have reached the Italian National Team, so only compliments, it’s an honor to be coached by them.”
Serenity and Concentration
Di Lorenzo expressed his serenity and focus, saying, “I am very serene, preparing for this second European Championship, which is something beautiful. Now it may seem normal, but for me, who has come from the bottom, it’s very beautiful, and I’m proud. My concentration is maximum on this competition, also to put aside the bad season for me and Napoli. I want to achieve the best possible results.”
Changes Since 2021
Reflecting on the changes since 2021, Di Lorenzo stated, “We have remained 7-8 players, but the soul of this group is the same. In addition to having great players, this group has great men inside, and this is the aspect from which you start to achieve great results.”
Leaving Napoli?
Regarding the speculation about leaving Napoli, Di Lorenzo said, “I haven’t spoken yet because the National Team decides who speaks… A lot is being written, I could have decided not to come, but I am serene. I spoke with the club at the end of the season, we talked, but now my concentration is maximum on this competition. What bothers me is this supposing things, what interests me is doing well here with the National Team.”
Everyone’s Position in Question
On the team’s lineup, Di Lorenzo said, “I think it’s also fair, the coach is trying many solutions. It’s a group of 26 players, and then it will be the coach who chooses the most suitable formation.”
Impressive Newcomers
When asked about players who have impressed, Di Lorenzo mentioned, “I already knew Scamacca, he’s a very strong player, but this year he found continuity and will give us a great hand. Calafiori, in these first days of the training camp, has made a good impression on me, confirming the season he had at Bologna. I could say him.”
Four-Man Defense Line
On the tactical formation, Di Lorenzo said, “These are choices the coach will make. Nowadays, formations are only useful to a certain point. Talking about numbers is limiting. We are 26 high-level players, and the positive thing is that many know how to interpret multiple roles. This is a united, healthy group, no one wants to prevail over the other, and this is a beautiful thing, a good starting point.”
Returning to High Levels
Regarding his personal form, Di Lorenzo stated, “Football moves fast, you always have to prove yourself. This has been a negative year for me, for the whole team, we failed to confirm ourselves at that level. This is football, you don’t always get what you want, my goal is to do well here to erase my last period in the club and to return to my level.”
Conte’s Esteem
On Antonio Conte’s praise, Di Lorenzo said, “I can only be happy with what he said, he’s a great coach, and being esteemed by him and great coaches is pleasing, it means that what I’ve done has been appreciated.”
Spalletti Unchanged from Napoli
Regarding Luciano Spalletti’s approach, Di Lorenzo commented, “He’s always the same, a hard worker who loves being on the pitch and making his ideas clear to the players. Here, perhaps the time is shorter, there are longer sessions and a few more videos, but it’s all according to his principles. I don’t see the coach changed, and he’s motivated because it’s a great opportunity for him and all of us.”
Future Decision
On his future, Di Lorenzo stated, “I spoke with the club at the end of the season and then came to the National Team. When the time comes to talk about Napoli, I will talk about Napoli, but now my head is here, I want to have a great European Championship.”
Difference from 2021
Comparing the current camp to 2021, Di Lorenzo said, “In the last camp, we were almost always in Coverciano, while here we experienced a training session among many fans, and it was a beautiful emotion. It makes you understand how many Italians are around the world and how much they care about the National Team. For us, it’s just one more reason to give our all.”
