As Italy prepares for their Nations League debut against France on September 6th, head coach Luciano Spalletti addressed the media in a candid press conference. The former Napoli manager opened up about the challenges facing the national team and his plans for the future.
Spalletti began by acknowledging the difficult summer he experienced following Italy’s disappointing performance in the European Championship. “I had a terrible summer, absolutely terrible. The conversation always went back to that. When we talk about the European failure, we need to make a more accurate analysis because, in my opinion, it refers to that awful game against Switzerland,” he stated.
The coach took full responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, saying, “We didn’t honor our strength and our history. I feel responsible for what happened. Everything that happens around me always depends 100% on me. Now I give 1% to my collaborators, but the players are exempt from this responsibility. Probably I put too much pressure on them and didn’t give them the opportunity to enjoy wearing the Italy shirt.”
Looking ahead, Spalletti emphasized a fresh start for the national team. “Now a new page opens. I’m going to create a new group, a new team, transferring less pressure onto them,” he explained.
Regarding tactical approaches, Spalletti revealed, “We will always play 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1. Now if you play the game of double roles, it becomes easy starting from 3-5-2 or 3-5-1-1 or 3-4-2-1. Up front, you’re a bit freer to interpret the qualities you have, but the system is that. I’ve reflected, probably I need to do things differently, and this is one of the things I will change.”
The coach also addressed specific player situations, including Federico Chiesa’s absence and Sandro Tonali’s return to the squad. Spalletti expressed confidence in Tonali, stating, “Tonali has trained regularly. He’s a player in whom we place a lot of trust and he’s coming in. He’s one of those I’ve been in touch with the most during this period. The boy has reflected a lot, and this is one more reason to bring him with us.”
