Luciano Spalletti explains Italy will ‘try something different’ tactically against Venezuela and Ecuador, including testing out new strikers, but could not ‘weaken’ the Under-21s.
The Azzurri will start the build-up to Euro 2024 with a trip to the United States, where they will play against Venezuela on Thursday and Ecuador on Sunday.
“There are 20 million people waiting for us over there and who want to see us. It is also a tactical test, because so far we stuck to the plan because there wasn’t much time, but now we have the opportunity to widen our horizons and try something different, including a new tactical system.”
There were some surprises in the squad list called up for these tests, leaving out Lazio striker Ciro Immobile and Atalanta forward Gianluca Scamacca, while Francesco Acerbi was sent home amid accusations of racism.
“I am taking anyone for a ride when it comes to Ciro. I know he is an important player over the years for Lazio and the Nazionale, but he is going through a period where he struggles to express his full potential and I have to take everyone into consideration,” said Spalletti in a press conference.
“Scamacca simply hasn’t been playing very much recently. When I did bring him along, I don’t think he gave his best. It’s important at international level to make an immediate impact when the first match can compromise everything. You must be sure that everyone can give their contribution straight away.
“We also need to consider the future, so for example I want to see Lorenzo Lucca up close to see what he’s made of. I am not dumping anyone, but giving others a chance.”
The coach reveals there were also others who he would’ve called upon for these matches.
“Bryan Cristante needed treatment for his back that he’s been putting off for a while and we don’t want to destroy players, but collaborate with clubs.
“Similarly, we would’ve had Riccardo Calafiori here, but the Under-21s are playing two qualifiers and we have friendlies, so am I supposed to weaken them with all the players at my disposal? The same goes for Giovanni Fabbian, Willy Gnonto and Cesare Casadei, while Gianluca Gaetano is injured.”
Spalletti won the Scudetto at Napoli last season with a 4-3-3 system and initially seemed to bring that to the Italy squad too, but has dropped hints of a change.
There were also tests for the 3-5-2 in training today at Coverciano.
“Tactics are fluid, liquid, it is no longer such a rigid form. There is the possibility of changing system during a match based on the movements.
“I want to evaluate based on the characteristics of who is playing. If we have the ability to shift, we become more unpredictable.
“If you are balanced, then a three-man defence is less open to the counter-attack. Either way, we have two on the wings, two in the mid-spaces and a centre-forward.”
Among the issues for Spalletti to deal with is players who are so versatile that it can be difficult to identity a specific role for them, such as Federico Chiesa, Giacomo Raspadori and Nicolò Zaniolo.
“Chiesa is a very talented player when attacking, he can take men on, score goals, and has a strong character. He also must learn to adapt. Let’s say he is not really a second striker, nor a winger, nor a midfielder, he’s a bit of all of them. His greatest capability is managing to get through spaces that others consider impossible.
“Players like Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Federico Dimarco, Destiny Udogie and Andrea Cambiaso represent the new frontier of European football. They don’t just run straight when attacking, they take detours and deviations, cutting inside and out. If a teammate is in a wider position, they go inside. It’s about reading the position based on the spaces that open up.”
Who would even care that immobile isn’t in the squad? It’s a blessing! Finally!