Pellegrini: ‘Italy were a team against Germany’

Lorenzo Pellegrini wants ‘balance’ in the media analysis of Italy after their 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany, but there was one very important development. ‘We saw a team tonight.’

The Roma captain opened the scoring at the Stadio Dall’Ara by meeting an assist from Willy Gnonto, the 18-year-old who was just five minutes into his senior Italy debut.

Germany equalised three minutes later thanks to a Joshua Kimmich strike, though Timo Werner might’ve handled in the build-up.

This represents a more than creditable result, especially considering England lost to Hungary in this Nations League group this afternoon.

“It went well, we knew it would be difficult and are very happy because it wasn’t easy after all the things people said about us over the last few days,” Pellegrini told RAI Sport after the humiliating 3-0 Finalissima defeat to Argentina at Wembley Stadium.

“Before the players, we need to rediscover the squad as a group of men, and I think we are doing that. We saw a team tonight, up against a Germany side that has incredible intensity.

“We showed the point that this Nazionale has to start again from. I always try to be truthful, there are many young lads who are working hard in training at 100 per cent and I’ve never seen anyone get results without doing that, so I think we are on the right track.”

However, Pellegrini also warns not to get ahead of ourselves following this performance with several debutants.

“It’s important to be balanced. We mustn’t think after a defeat that we’re hopeless, nor after one good performance that our work is done.

“I am not exactly young, but I’m 25 and I too try to give 100 per cent every day to improve physically and mentally.”

#Pellegrini: “Non era semplice dopo tutto quello che si sta dicendo in questi giorni” #ASRoma #ItaliaGermania https://t.co/qN6NfJE5CC

— pagineromaniste.com (@PagineRomaniste) June 4, 2022