Federico Chiesa insists the 5-2 win over North Macedonia showed the positives and negatives of this new Luciano Spalletti approach for Italy. ‘We are more attacking, so take more risks.’
The Azzurri had been leading 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico with Matteo Darmian’s header and two Chiesa goals, despite Jorginho seeing a penalty saved.
North Macedonia fought back to make it 3-2, but Giacomo Raspadori and Stephan El Shaarawy secured the result.
“The important thing is that we won the game,” Chiesa told RAI Sport and Sky Sport Italia.
“Unfortunately, we conceded two goals that overall I don’t think we deserved to let in, but now we will fight it out directly with Ukraine.
“It wasn’t a blackout, we are more positive and attacking under this coach, which also means taking a few more risks at the back. However, we showed that we wanted to dominate the match and deserved the victory.”
The Juventus forward had not yet been able to play under Spalletti due to injury, so there were real worries when he went down clutching his knee after a heavy tackle in the opening minute.
“I was sad not to be available for the first two sets of games, but I am very glad to be back in the Italy jersey. I felt pain, as I was changing direction and he crashed into me. These things happen at international level, the defenders want to make their presence felt.”
Chiesa again had words of praise for Spalletti and the approach he is taking compared to predecessor Roberto Mancini.
A point against Ukraine on neutral turf in Leverkusen would be enough to secure qualification for EURO 2024, as they have a superior head-to-head record.
“I do what the coach asks of me and we are all responsible, we must all make the step to reach the Euros. I think with this mentality, going to Germany against Ukraine looking not for the draw, but for the victory, that is the mentality of this coach, this team and how we must go forward.
“I thank the coach for his words that showed great respect and trust in me. He has proved over the years that he is a great coach and is trying to do the same now with Italy.”