The whole of Italy is ready to support its heroes and giants in the new adventure of Euro 2024. This competition, which evokes images of a Marvel blockbuster or a fantasy saga, sees the protagonists don the blue jersey and prepare to defend the title won three years ago at Wembley. On Saturday evening, in Dortmund, Italy will make its debut against Albania, in a match that is already crucial for the qualification, given the fearsome group that also includes Spain and Croatia.
The excitement is palpable in the young Azzurri group, which still includes many veterans of the 2021 triumph. Luciano Spalletti's debut as national coach in a tournament of this magnitude adds a further element of trepidation. "There will be a bit of emotion, but as we get closer to the game we will transform this emotion into something beautiful and enchanting. It will be magnificent to play a game for our country in a stadium like this"Said Spalletti, observing the Signal Iduna Park, the scene of sweet Azzurri memories of the 2006 World Cup, when Grosso and Del Piero shattered the Germans' dreams in extra time.
This Italy, however, does not look to the past. After two consecutive World Cups missed, the team is focused on the present, with the goal of making an entire nation happy. "We are not asking the 60 million Italians to cheer for us, but to be on the pitch with us. We are the protagonists of the dream of every Italian who went out with the ball under his arm and came back with his shirt soaked in sweat and with broken knees", Spalletti underlined in the press conference. “For our fellow countrymen, we are heroes, giants, who cannot help but put everything into the game. This also means creating a shell: giants and heroes are not afraid to go and play a football match”.
One of the protagonists who knows no fear is 'Gigio' Donnarumma, the goalkeeper who was decisive in the last European Championship, saving the decisive penalty from Saka in the final. “The spirit is that one there – Donnarumma assured – When you face a competition like that, the energy comes naturally. We want to try to relive those magical nights. I try to give everything, to explain to the team what happened three years ago, but the team is already ready, they won't need my advice".
Now with the captain's armband on his arm, Donnarumma will lead the less experienced in this new adventure. Among them, Nicolò Barella, another Wembley veteran, will be a key player. “Footballers always want to play, but last night everything suggests that he will be available”, Spalletti assured regarding the presence of the Inter midfielder.
Article published on 14 June 2024 - 19:49
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