Italian national football team coach Luciano Spalletti has praised the current Napoli, highlighting how the team has been transformed by Antonio Conte.
"Napoli is definitely one to mention, because Conte has truly brought out a powerful structure in his team. He's created a solid foundation, a balance, and a strong mentality. Napoli is also supported by a city that infuses a lot into this team."
The former Napoli coach shared his views on several players and the current state of Italian football during an interview with Vivo Azzurro TV. Among the topics discussed were his considerations on the possible return to Italy of Federico Chiesa, as well as Orsolini and Politano.
Watch out for Federico Chiesa but also for Politano and Orsolini
Regarding Chiesa, Spalletti stated: "Yes, I'd be very much in favor of having Chiesa under control in terms of the level of our football, to reintegrate him because those who have this quality of looking you in the eye and breaking through the line in front of them to move on to the next one... There aren't many." He also emphasized the importance of other players like Orsolini and Politano, who are demonstrating significant ability and could be useful to the team.
Interest in Zaniolo and Maldini
Spalletti also expressed his approval for Nicolò Zaniolo, mentioning how the player is valuable to the team. Regarding Paolo Maldini, the former coach admitted to being impressed by the young player's performance, especially for the goal he scored against Fiorentina and his decisive plays in view of future matches.
A role, that of coach, into which he has fully immersed himself, as he explained to Vivo Azzurro TV (for the full interview click here). "I live 24 hours a day as a coach," he told the FIGC's OTT platform. "For me, it should be written on my ID card that you're a coach."
Between past, present and future, Spalletti talks about the upcoming challenges that await the Azzurri, starting with the Nations League quarter-final scheduled for the end of March: "Which national team will play against Germany?" The coach, smiling, lists the formation: "Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Barella, Kean, Raspadori, Retegui, Cambiaso, Dimarco and many others... Because we have the possibility of having a group that is now consolidated for what will be our future".
"We have to beat Germany"
The anticipation for his first match against the Mannschaft is high: "For a coach, Italy-Germany is the challenge he has to play because someone who coaches the national team and doesn't play this match is like a coach who coaches Milan and Inter and doesn't play the derby. Italy-Germany is important for the history of football."
And the qualification path for the 2026 World Cup will also depend on the outcome of the double confrontation with the Germans, with Italy called to redeem the missed participation in the last two World Cups. Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg would be the opponents in case of overcoming the quarterfinals of the Nations League, while a defeat against Germany would bring the Azzurri to face Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova.
A 'sliding door' through which access to the tournament that will be played between Canada, Mexico and the United States passes: "We have to make considerations based on what the draw was after what the commitment with Germany will be. We have to think about winning this match. However, I think it is better to play in a group of 4 rather than in a group of 5 and to start in September instead of June, due to previous experience. In September, regenerated players arrive, with a different perspective on the path to take".
Verified Source
Leave a comment