On the eve of 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 at a press conference on Wednesday. “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. “This 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 “which should not be underestimated“. “The players’ mentality 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 dynamic“.
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 playing in the best teams in Europe” said Spalletti, who assured “not to think about those who are absent“.
Lukaku analyzed
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 doesn’t change my approach“.
“He has this great quality that any ball we throw at him he can make it playable, so it will be fundamental for us to take precautions with this player because it will perhaps be the most difficult moment, when we are going to play attacking football, and they are going to send balls with first intention at him“, concluded the Italian coach who obviously analyzed Romelu Lukaku’s game well.
Enough to contain the top scorer in the history of our national team? Answer this Thursday evening, 8:45 p.m., on RTL tvi and RTL play.
Luciano Spalletti Italy coach Lukaku
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