Luciano Spalletti warns Italy must go into the EURO 2024 tournament with heads held high. ‘We are the reigning Champions of Europe, whether others believe in us or not is of no interest.’
The Azzurri lifted the EURO 2020 trophy in the summer of 2021, when the competition was postponed by a year due to the COVID pandemic, beating England on penalties at Wembley Stadium.
Although since then they failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scraped through the group qualifying phase and lost coach Roberto Mancini, they remain the holders.
“We must show that we give all for this jersey, because it is a gift to wear it and standing on the touchline singing the anthem is a unique experience. There is nothing better,” said Spalletti at a panel event for the Arteju Festival.
“Next year, we are going to Germany as the reigning Champions of Europe, whether others believe in us or not is of no interest. We are the ones who must believe in ourselves and keep going with that sense of duty and commitment.
“We cannot hold back when we are carrying this flag.”
After last season, Italian clubs are also continuing to do well in Europe, as all seven who entered still remain in the UEFA competitions.
“I think we should also look beyond the results at the performances, and in that sense, we have made progress in comparison with Europe’s top tier.”
Spalletti also discussed the need for lessons in school on how to respect and understand others, while he sent a warning about modern technology’s grip on young people.
“There is this danger of the virtual world replacing the physical one. Some players like fantasy football more than real football, we need to show them the differences and we are working on it in that sense.”