Giampiero Ventura was pleased with the Italy players of “the future” after his get-together and opened the door to Mario Balotelli.
The Coach called up a group of players with little or no international experience for a three-day training camp at Coverciano.
“It’s impossible to judge after 48 hours, but from what I’ve seen over the last two days, we are on the right track,” said Ventura in his Press conference.
“It has all been extremely positive.”
Giampiero Ventura was pleased with the Italy players of “the future” after his get-together and opened the door to Mario Balotelli.
The Coach called up a group of players with little or no international experience for a three-day training camp at Coverciano.
“It’s impossible to judge after 48 hours, but from what I’ve seen over the last two days, we are on the right track,” said Ventura in his Press conference.
“It has all been extremely positive.”
There were seven Atalanta players included and that irritated Orobici tactician Gian Piero Gasperini.
“I was frankly surprised, because before the get-together I did speak to the club and to him. I understand at this moment it can take away from the euphoria of club form, but international duty must be seen as gratifying.
“Speaking to the Atalanta players, they asked when I could see them again, so that says a great deal. Roberto Gagliardini gave me the idea of a player who is really improving. He might not be first choice for the next 10 years, but he is doing much better.
“There are some players who have objectively surprised me. They didn’t know each other, but in 48 hours already had the attitude of a united team. Only time will tell if what we’re doing will have meaning.
“We had some players who were in the squad at Euro 2016, so realised what professionalism and determination can achieve. I don’t have to speak to them about it, they can see for themselves. I don’t know what it will bring, but it is a good start.”
Balotelli was not included in this get-together and Ventura has yet to call the OGC Nice striker since taking over the Italy squad.
“He played in a World Cup, so there’s really no need for him to be in this sort of get-together,” noted Ventura.
“Now we have a gap until March and there’s plenty of time. I might have a jaunt over to France to watch him play. He’s not a young lad anymore, he’s a professional football player who is either on one side of the line or the other. He’s either a champion or he has lost that consistency. There’s no point in going over this every time.”
Yet the Azzurri did call and play Simone Zaza, despite his dreadful form at West Ham United.
“We called Zaza because we want to get him back in shape for the good of Italian football.”