You just have to attend the “mister’s” press conference, with questions full of optimism around a team with renewed pleasure and rather playful to convince yourself that everything has changed, in four months, around the Nazionale.
Almost everything, since it was already the 65-year-old technician who was at the post in Germany. Arriving in September 2023, after the surprise departure of Roberto Mancini, the former T1 of Naples took responsibility for the missed tournament and was subsequently confirmed. So, what has changed for this team to become attractive and win meritoriously in France, in particular?
The Italian delegation pays tribute to the victims of the Heysel Drama
“There is a new generation coming and a lot of good young players”answers Fabrizio Patania, follower of the national selection for the Corriere dello Sport. Only thirteen players are the same as at the Euro, even if some are not there due to injury (Calafiori, Pellegrini, Scamacca). Exit Jorginho, Darmian, Cristante, El Shaarawy and Chiesa, even if it is mainly due to injury in his case.
“The atmosphere is different in the group; we feel more serenity and tranquility since the victory at the Parc des Princes”continues our colleague. “However, this team is young, since its average age is 24 years old! In Germany, it was older and there were a lot of questions about tactics. This is no longer the case.”
Fabrizio Patania highlights the return of Tonali (24), who had been suspended for a sports betting affair: “His return after the Euro did good in the middle. Up front, Retegui (25) is in good shape with Atalanta and also in the selection; while Cambiaso (24), on the right side, is very good with Juve at the moment.”
gullIt’s by playing well that you get the most pleasure, I’m convinced.
Comments confirmed by Luciano Spalletti this Wednesday evening, in the press room of the King Baudouin stadium: “What has changed? We try to be clear and we choose motivated players, proud to wear the jersey; whether they play or not. I tried to make good choices, based on my expertise. Our players invest more and know how to exploit different positions on the pitch where there are few fixed places. Today, we find this balance.”
Eleven goals in four matches
And that doesn’t stop his team from having fun offensively, like these eleven goals scored in four games via seven different scorers (Frattesi, Retegui, Di Lorenzo, Raspadori, Dimarco, Kean and Cambiaso), while conceding very few opportunities. “Yes, my team just wants to play well.”continues the coach. “Who says good game, says result: it’s my idea after 30 years of experience. I am convinced of it. It’s by playing well that you get more pleasure and more results.” A new course of action which must find confirmation this week against the Devils then against France in a complete San Siro, but which has borne fruit for the moment.
