UEFA Workshop Debates Squad Size Expansion Ahead of the Euro Finals

The first day of the UEFA-organized workshop with the 24 finalist national teams focused on the issue of squad size. In the Refereeing/Football session, 20 out of 24 Technical Commissioners spoke, discussing the current regulation of 23 players and the possible expansion to 26. Luciano Spalletti was also present and expressed his favor for the opportunity, considering it a competition that will be played at the end of the season, with the aim of reducing the risk of injuries, but also to promote the valorization of a greater number of players. UEFA will make a comprehensive assessment and define details regarding the squad size in the final phase of the Euro starting on June 14th. Spalletti's words: "I believe it is fairer to be able to bring 26, provided that there is then the possibility of having 15 on the bench. From UEFA, the possibility of taking care of the teams' problems has emerged." Looking ahead to the Euro, the former Napoli coach said: "As far as our group is concerned, there is still some time left but the work developed is already done, we will not have other windows available. In the March window, we left some young players at home because the Under 21s were engaged in qualifications: the block of 15-16 from the March friendlies that will be in the squad for the Euro will be that, but we will have the opportunity to evaluate in this last phase of the season who will show quality." Italy arrives as the reigning European champion and will try to defend the title in Germany: "To be competitive and because of the strength of the opponents, we need to take a further step. However, within the actual competition, Italy always knows how to give something more. Having history in our favor is a springboard for the players, but we need to do better than what we have done to be competitive. Even if we are not at the top and at the level of the best such as Spain, France, Germany, and England, we want to work to get there. Everyone's dream is to relive a situation like this, but we have to be the best of all and it's not easy."