The National Team coach Luciano Spalletti gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, already looking forward to the Euro 2024 this summer. The former Napoli coach has taken stock of his first months in charge of Italy, focusing on Euro2024 and more.
Spalletti's Interview
"We earned our qualification for the Euros, we deserved it. We have been consistent in our choices and in playing proactive football, never abandoning it. But we must be better at maintaining it throughout the games. There have been many difficulties, on and off the field, which inevitably led to a significant reaction from the group". In clear reference to the football betting scandal involving Zaniolo, Fagioli, Tonali. "The boys experienced a feeling of insecurity and fragility. However, it was good that all this happened because it allowed them and those not involved in the investigation to get back on track and realize the mistakes and risks involved".
Playstation Banned, Focus on the Euro
Spalletti continued "This is the highest point of my career and my personal journey. I need to bring out a strong National team, I'm not satisfied with anything. I want to win the Euro and then I want to win the World Cup. Then we can also go out immediately, but the speeches I make to the team are those that all Italians expect: we go to Germany to win, not to participate. Our history requires it".
The National Team coach revealed that he banned his players from using the Playstation. "Some players must have thought that Spalletti barks and then has no teeth, but they are wrong. From now on they leave the Playstation at home and don't bring it anymore. I'll invent a little game for them to think about to distract themselves at night. They come to me and I give them homework to do in the evening if the day's tasks weren't enough. In the National team, you have to be on the ball, focused, no messing around".
"I already have to put up with cell phones, but they can't be kept on the massage bed and during treatments. If modernity is playing Playstation until 4 in the morning when there's a match the next day, then this modernity is not good. We live in a world that encourages little hard work. Today's boys prefer to post a photo on Instagram with their hair done rather than lower their heads and pedal. These are not the values that my Italy should transmit. In the National team, you have to be like a pack of wolves in a line, to push the teammate in front and not leave anyone behind" Spalletti concluded with a strong and clear message to his players and the entire environment.
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