Giorgio Scalvini reveals what Luciano Spalletti asked of his defenders in the win over Ukraine, taking a different approach to Roberto Mancini. ‘Preventative marking is important.’
The Azzurri opened the new era under Spalletti with a 1-1 draw away to North Macedonia on Saturday, so the pressure was on at San Siro to deliver a result.
Scalvini was one of five changes to the starting XI and they paid off, securing a 2-1 victory against Ukraine thanks to a Davide Frattesi brace.
“There were some regrets that we failed to win the game in Macedonia, but everyone had the right spirit to turn over a new leaf and focus on tonight’s match,” the Atalanta centre-back told Sky Sport Italia.
Spalletti has brought a different tactical approach to his predecessor Roberto Mancini, even if both have used the 4-3-3 in their own unique ways.
“The coach said that when we went on the attack, do not remain flat at the back with their strikers, but push one up and one sits deeper, so we can both anticipate the passes and have someone covering.
“In North Macedonia, but also today, the preventative marking was important to ensure we didn’t allow counter-attacks, but also so that we could keep the pressure constantly on the opponent.”
Italy are now second in their EURO 2024 qualifying group with seven points, the same as Ukraine and North Macedonia, but with a game in hand.
“Some things changed under the new coach and we need to adapt. We worked well over the last few days and must continue so that we will be ready next summer,” concluded Scalvini.