Euro 2024, Spalletti: “Italy deserves to be happy through our sacrifice and passion”

At Coverciano, with the start of the Italian national team's retreat, Luciano Spalletti launched an appeal to the team, officially marking the start of the journey towards Euro 2024. “I want to see people happy because they deserve to be happy through our sacrifice and our passion,” declared the Italian coach, addressing his players. “I would like those who welcome us upon our return to be proud of our commitment and the work we have done.”

Spalletti he stressed the importance of showing the pride of wearing the blue jersey, symbol of an entire country. “Wearing this shirt is a wonderful opportunity, full of privileges, but it also requires struggle and dedication. We must promise the Italians that we will be worthy of this fortune.”

The coach does not look to the past or regret the absences, preferring to focus on the team's potential. “When we are here, the reasoning is different than at the clubs. We can always do well because we have a lot of resources. If we start to worry about what we lack, we start badly.”

Spalletti explained some of his technical decisions, such as the call-up of Fagioli: "It's a technical choice. He has quality, creativity and flair that can be useful to us. He's here to help us manage the game better and maintain possession of the ball. On a personal level, Fagioli has shown maturity, he deserves understanding for the past difficulties."

The CT then addressed the recent exclusions due to injury, such as that of Acerbi: “An experienced player, part of a group that has shown good football.” He also spoke about Bonaventura, excluded for technical reasons: “My heart aches, he is a wonderful person and a great footballer, but I have to consider the overall balance of the team.”

Many of Italy's hopes for the next European Championship depend on their forwards, such as Gianluca Scamacca. “Gasperini did a great job with him. He showed sacrifice and growth, goals and consistency. Scamacca has size, speed, technique and creativity, but he has to overcome a bit of laziness. Now he seems to have done it.”