Francesco Totti underlined his confidence for Italy ahead of the European Championship and reflected on the ‘positive season’ for Romelu Lukaku and Paulo Dybala at Roma.
The Azzurri are gearing up for their first major tournament in three years, entering Euro 2024 as defending champions following their historic success at the last edition back in 2021. The pressure is on to perform after the team missed out on a spot in the World Cup in Qatar 18 months ago.
Italy will face Spain, Croatia and Albania in Group B of the European Championship, but first they’ll play out two friendlies in preparation for the tournament, facing Turkey on June 4th and Bosnia on June 9th. Their first match in Germany will come against Albania on June 15th.
Totti weighs in
Speaking to TV Play via TMW, Totti first discussed Italy’s hopes at the European Championship.
“I think that when there is such an important competition like the European Championship, the group comes before the individual. Italy are strong, they have a great coach and we hope they can do well.”
He gave his thoughts on Daniele De Rossi’s work in the dugout at Roma.
“De Rossi has had a positive journey. Also, because when you enter the season halfway through, it’s never easy. But he was good at changing course. He wasn’t able to achieve what we all hoped for. But in the end, he had a good season.”
Totti touched on the retirement of Claudio Ranieri.
“Unfortunately, Mister Ranieri’s time has come, he has made this decision, everyone is sad that he left football. After this feat with Cagliari, I think it was right and proper to end in this way.”
He weighed in on Sassuolo’s relegation to Serie B.
“There are few words, I’m sorry for Di Francesco, he didn’t deserve to be relegated. Unfortunately, the teams have to go to Serie B, they tried to fight until the end. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to stay in Serie A.”
Finally, Totti spoke about the work of Lukaku and Dybala at Roma this season.
“Positive season for Lukaku and Dybala, even if us Roma fans hoped to be able to get to the end and get another final. We’re happy like this and we’re thinking about next year.”