Luciano Spalletti explains why he called on five ‘legends’ of Calcio to inspire Italy ahead of EURO 2024. ‘We must be worthy of the love for the Italy shirt.’
The Azzurri are the reigning Champions of Europe after winning the trophy under Roberto Mancini in 2021, but started a new era in September 2023 when Spalletti took over.
He was fresh from lifting the Scudetto at Napoli, for which he received the Globe Soccer Award this evening.
“That team had and still has many special things, above all very strong players and a passionate city behind it,” said Spalletti on stage at the event.
“Plus legends are important in football and there was one that looked over us throughout that experience at Napoli, namely Diego Armando Maradona.
“This is why I called up five legends for the training retreat at Coverciano, because they can give you those emotions, that inspiration, show you how to go forward from those who went there before.”
Spalletti calls on Italy legends
The Italy squad will be able to speak to icons Gianni Rivera, Giancarlo Antognoni, Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti before they fly off to Germany to start the tournament.
“There is a wonderful atmosphere at Coverciano where everything is blue, but there is something even bluer and that is the Nazionale jersey.
“We must be ready to prove ourselves worthy of all the love there is for the Italy shirt.”
The Azzurri will play Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey on June 4 and Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 9 in warm-up friendly matches to get them ready for the tournament.
They then enter the EURO 2024 group phase against Albania on June 15, Spain on June 20 and Croatia on June 24.