Arrigo Sacchi says Italy must ‘enjoy’ the qualification to Euro 2024, but warns the Azzurri: ‘They must not commit the errors of the past.’
Italy have qualified for Euro 2024 following a 0-0 draw against Ukraine on Monday. It’s a major achievement for the Azzurri, who missed out on the latest two editions of the World Cup but will defend the European title in Germany next year.
“It ended well. We are the Euros, which is the result we wanted, but now we must not commit the errors of the past,” Sacchi told Gazzetta.
“We must not think we are phenomenons otherwise we’ll fall to the ground again.
“They gave their all and given the circumstances, this is enough for me,” added the former Azzurri coach.
“I would add that if we had lost, this group of players and this coach could not have been blamed. Luciano Spalletti has just arrived, so we must let him work. He also needs to know the environment and the footballers.”
Sacchi continued by praising all players, especially defenders and midfielders and highlighting how Gigio Donnarumma also played a crucial role in helping the Azzurri secure a point in Leverkusen and qualify for the European Championships.
Federico Chiesa has been praised by Italian sports papers and Sacchi also feels the Juventus winger was among the best Italy players last night.
“Chiesa was selfless going up and down the flank. Giacomo Raspadori knows football more than anyone else, and each of his movements aims to enhance the team. Perhaps Nicolò Zaniolo wasn’t much involved but now we must enjoy this qualification and Spalletti will think about improving this team.”
However, Sacchi still sent a warning to the Azzurri who had already failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup months after winning the Euros.
“This qualification must be the starting point. If we want to become leaders, we need to change many things and I am not talking about tactics,” he said.
“We are behind the other main national teams in Europe. Italy only have one federal centre, France has 16, and even Switzerland beats us with three.”
So, what should Italy and the FIGC do to further improve over the next few years?
“We must look at other realities and, if possible, take inspiration. There are too many foreigners in our league who don’t leave space for young players,” argued Sacchi.
“We must invest in coaches, organise specialised courses and train them. Then, they’ll choose the players and make them develop. France has managed to combine school and football and they’ve gone far. We must follow the same path.