Gianluca Zambrotta believes that Italy need togetherness as a squad rather than relying on individual leadership heading into the EURO 2024 round of 16 clash against Switzerland on Saturday evening.
The 2006 World Cup winner is back in Berlin for the first time since lifting the coveted trophy 18 years ago.
While in the German capital, the former Juventus, Barcelona and Milan full-back spoke to TMW to give his assessment on the current Italy set-up under Luciano Spalletti and how the tournament has gone thus far.
Zambrotta on Berlin return, Italy at EURO 2024 and squad togetherness
“This is the first time I have returned here after that extraordinary victory. It’s a special feeling thinking back to that unforgettable day. It’s an indescribable joy to be here,” Zambrotta began.
Asked what in particular helped Italy to victory almost 20 years ago, he replied: “The strength of the group. It was a very particular and very difficult moment, coming out of the mess of the Calciopoli scandal, and it felt like a bit of revenge on our part for what had happened.
“We closed ourselves off, like hedgehogs, and there was a great leader in mister Lippi. The strength of the group dragged us all the way to the end.
Then, assessing the current Italy set-up and how they’ve faired at EURO 2024 thus far, Zambrotta said that Italy could do with more bravery on the pitch.
He added that there are: “Positive feelings, because we’ve got through the first round. That’s certainly a positive start.
“We managed to get through at the last minute, there were ups and downs, and in my opinion, we need more courage and bravado. I think the match against Croatia was the last obstacle to becoming more mentally free. Let’s hope that’s the case, even if Switzerland, as they showed against Germany, shouldn’t be underestimated,
TMW suggested that Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is the only real ‘winner’ left in the current Italy squad.
Zambrotta, in turn, suggested: “There is no need for champions. In these competitions, if there is a group, they need to feel the strength of the whole squad behind them, everyone is rooting for the eleven who start, everything becomes much easier.
“Donnarumma is certainly a great player, he saved Italy in lots of different moments, but in these tournaments you need more than talent, it takes the spirit and the strength of the group.”