Arrigo Sacchi hopes Italy players are ready to follow Luciano Spalletti but tells the Azzurri fans: ‘Don’t put pressure on them and don’t ask for the moon.’
Italy coach Spalletti named his 26-man squad list for Euro 2024 on Thursday, cutting the likes of Ivan Provedel, Samuele Ricci and Riccardo Orsolini.
Former Italy CT Sacchi explained what he expects from the Azzurri at the continental tournament which kicks off next week.
“Spalletti has picked his 26 lads. I hope they are all reliable, ready to give their souls to the collective, and ready to put into practice the coach’s demands,” the ex-coach wrote in a column for Gazzetta dello Sport.
Sacchi’s view on Italy squad at Euro 2024
“We don’t have much time for preparation and there is a further issue: Italy have never had a clear identity.
“Spalletti wants footballers to remain close to each other and defend as a united block. In Spalletti’s mind, Italy must be able to press high and leave no space for counter-attacks. It is pretty complicated, but I trust Luciano because he is an excellent coach with a clear vision and he’s able to pass on his values to the team.”
The Azzurri will resume training in Coverciano today and will play the last friendly before leaving for Germany on Sunday when they’ll meet Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Stadio Castellani in Empoli.
“We saw against Turkey that we must improve, but it was a useful test. The target, I repeat, is to involve all 11 players and be always active, with and without the ball,” noted Sacchi.
“Nicolò Barella can be a key element and Lorenzo Pellegrini, who I know really well, can also give his contribution. Perhaps, he’s a bit tired now because the season with Roma was exhausting, but I am convinced he will be fit against Albania.”
The Azzurri will make their debut against Sylvinho’s team on June 15, 2024, in Dortmund.
Sacchi gives Italy fans advice as Spalletti confirms final Euro 2024 squad list
“Spalletti’s lads should not think that it will be easy,” continued Sacchi.
“In modern football, there are no weak teams. We were eliminated [from the World Cup play-off] by North Macedonia, so we must know something about it. Don’t underestimate Albania, but criticism about the national team does not worry me. On the contrary, history says that every time the Azzurri were criticised, they were able to react.”
Sacchi, who reached the 1994 World Cup Final with the Azzurri had advice for the fans and the media.
“Don’t put pressure on Spalletti’s boys. Don’t ask for the moon,” he said.
“It would be counterproductive to give them too much responsibility. I’ve been hearing that Scamacca must drag the team. Silly things. Scamacca must play if Spalletti thinks he’s necessary and must do what the coach demands. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Lightheartedness can be an added value for these footballers and the media must help the Azzurri to reach this serenity.”