Ex-Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi defends Luciano Spalletti, saying he’s ‘a victim’ and blaming foreign players in Serie A.
Spalletti is under fire after Italy’s elimination from the EURO 2024 Round of 16 against Switzerland.
Former strikers Fabrizio Ravanelli and Alessandro Altobelli have strongly criticised the ex-Napoli boss, but Sacchi has a different view.
“Spalletti is a victim, and he has the courage to step in,” Sacchi told Rai TV program ‘Notti Europee,” as quoted by Tuttojuve.
“He is an excellent coach, but unfortunately, Italy have never had a well-defined playing style. The Netherlands, England, Brazil and Argentina had it. We’ve always tried to trick the opponents. Spalletti didn’t have enough time.
“There are too many foreign players,” continued Sacchi.
“When many foreign players joined [Serie A] in the past, the national team immediately had a drop.”