Azzurri coach Luciano Spalletti says Italy need to improve physically following their 2-1 victory over Venezuela. A brace from Mateo Retegui was enough to decide the friendly match, but the Azzurri struggled at times and conceded chances of their own. Speaking in the post-match, Spalletti identified a number of areas that he wants to improve upon, ahead of the EUROs this summer:
“We did some things well: we recognized the advantages we needed to take. We embarked on this tour because we wanted to embrace all these people, this affection, and love for the jersey. Having had so many fans here is a source of satisfaction: we want to show our support to them for leading this pioneer life and coming here to build their future. True victories are when you travel around the world and find this love for the jersey; we occasionally have the duty to travel the world.”
The Italian coach continued, “The match was difficult for many reasons: the distance, the journey, the adjustment. And the opponent was very strong: since the new CT came in, they’ve only lost one match. We created interesting situations, but we also made some mistakes, and this match showed us that to withstand pressure, we need to be at our peak physically. Retegui played a splendid game; he is a certainty in the penalty area, but he also helped the team advance, holding onto the ball and doing a perfect job when we were defending.”
Spalletti concluded, “The goal we conceded? We can’t talk about schemes. Due to the way we work, what happens is never a coincidence. Sinner is embarrassing; you realize it when you’re close to him: he embodies balance, mental strength, humility, normality. He reflects the fact that to be a player capable of reaching the top of the world, you must excel in your behavior as well.”
Italy’s striker Mateo Retegui, speaking to Sky Sport after the match, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I am very happy: we played a good game. Winning is an obligation with this jersey; we demonstrated personality. Gigio was good on the penalty at the beginning.”
He continued, “Spalletti tells me to play with tranquility, attacking depth. After the injury, I was very happy to play. For me, the national team is a dream, thanks to the coach who trusted me and to the team.”
Retegui emphasized, “We need to grow in all aspects, but the journey was long. We must keep our feet on the ground, playing with professionalism and confidence.”
In the post-match interviews with Sky Sport, Jorginho and Gianluigi Donnarumma commented on the victory against Venezuela. Jorginho remarked, “We had fun, both us and the fans. The players are eager to defend these colors to the best of their ability. Spalletti? The quality of passing helps all teams in today’s football.”
PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma discussed the match and his embrace with Maldini, saying, “Facing South American teams is never easy. These matches help us for the future, to address some situations. The embrace with Maldini? Our relationship is extraordinary; we always keep in touch. I didn’t know he was here.”
