HAS the day before facing the Red Devils in the Nations League at the King Baudouin stadium, Italian coach Luciano Spalletti said he did not want to adapt his tactics to Belgium on Wednesday at a press conference. “It remains an excellent team, even in the absence of certain players, but we are counting on our qualities.”
The press conference took place after a tribute to the victims of the Heysel tragedy in 1985, where 39 people (including 32 Italians) died during the Champions Clubs’ Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus. “I still remember that moment well,” Spalletti said first. “It should have been a fantastic match, but it turned into a disaster. This must never happen again. A stadium should be a meeting place, not a place where people die.”
The coach spoke of Thursday’s meeting, with a Belgian team “that should not be underestimated”. “The mentality of the players will again be essential. She was very good over the last few months. We will try to play like we did in our first half against Belgium last month. We want to keep our good momentum.”
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Against the Squadra Azzurra, Belgium will not be able to count on Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Jérémy Doku. “But Belgium remains an excellent team, with many players who play in the best teams in Europe,” said Spalletti, who assured “not to think about the absentees”.
On the other hand, the Italian defense will have to face Romelu Lukaku, back with the Red Devils. “He’s an excellent player. We know very well that Belgium will want to exploit his talent. He is very strong on crosses and in duels, which will have to be anticipated. But his presence does not change my approach.”
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