Former Milan and France striker Jean-Pierre Papin insists Italy are ‘on the right path’ with Luciano Spalletti at the helm: ‘Things will improve with time.’
Italy and France meet in the opening 2024 Nations League game on Friday.
It’s Italy’s first match since the shameful elimination at the hands of Switzerland in the EURO 2024 Round of 16.
“You don’t build football teams in just a few months. Spalletti has been the coach for a year and hasn’t had many opportunities to work with the group against more organised teams,” Papin, the 1991 Ballon d’Or winner, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He couldn’t work miracles. Things will improve with time.”
France Ballon d’Or winner insists Italy ‘on the right path’ with Spalletti
France are favourite against the Azzurri tonight, but Papin insists Italy will bounce back after a disappointing European Championship.
“The season has just begun, and nobody is at the peak of his form,” he said.
“We are favourites on paper, but these games against big opponents like Italy must be played before talking.
“Football is about cycles, and you must work harder when there’s a lack of talent. Italy are building a solid team that can aim to win a major trophy. Results were not ideal at the Euros, but the team is being reshaped, and you have strong players.”
What does he like about Spalletti?
“The organisation that he gives to the team. The attacking football he played at Napoli. His ideas are never ordinary. I think Italy are on the right track with him.”
Lastly, Papin shared his thoughts on his compatriots Mike Maignan and Youssouf Fofana, who play for Milan.
“Maignan is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and it’s no coincidence that he’s the starter on the national team. Fofana is a midfielder that all coaches would want. He was a Monaco leader for years; the same will happen at Milan,” Papin concluded.