Italy CT Luciano Spalletti says Destiny Udogie can ‘help’ the Azzurri against England and insists his players must ‘overcome obstacles’ at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.
The Azzurri are ready to fly to England after training at Coverciano on Monday morning.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 17, they will face England in a Euro 2024 qualifying fixture.
During an interview released with Sky Sport Italia after Italy’s training session at Coverciano, Spalletti urged his players to focus on the upcoming match with an appropriate attitude and believe they can beat the Three Lions.
“International player sees a chance to qualify in these sorts of games and wants to qualify through these games,” said the Azzurri coach.
“Those who go on the pitch thinking qualification will be determined in the following matches, are not international players. This is a game where we must be happy to overcome the limits everyone puts in front of us. This is where we see the personality of the team.
“Players already know many things. We must continue to improve, give more and show an attitude that makes people happy and strengthens us.”
Tottenham defender Udogie made his senior debut against Malta on Saturday, so Spalletti was asked if he could start at Wembley tomorrow.
“Udogie has everything. Like all young players, he needs experience, but he has an important engine and in a game where physicality and strength can make the difference, he can help us,” said Spalletti.
The Azzurri will meet England at Wembley for the first time since their victory in the Euro 2020 Final, culminating with an iconic hug between Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli.
“It was the hug of a very important victory which will remain in the history of Italian football,” concluded Spalletti.
Italy sit second in Group C level on points with Ukraine but with a game in hand, three points below group leaders England.