Nicolò Zaniolo reveals why he admires new Italy coach Luciano Spalletti and wants them to be protagonists at EURO 2024. ‘He says things to your face and I love that.’
The Aston Villa forward came off the bench during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with North Macedonia, but was in the starting XI this evening at San Siro for the 2-1 victory against Ukraine.
“The important thing tonight was to win and sort out the misstep in North Macedonia. Aside from the personal performance, these are three fundamental points because Italy must go to the Euros,” Zaniolo told Sky Sport Italia.
Zaniolo has not always delivered his best at club or international level and is well aware that consistency is a concern.
“There is responsibility and I accept criticism, because it’s fair that people expect a lot from us. In fact, the criticism motivates me to do better and prove myself. You can have some days that are better than others, but the important thing is to always sweat for the shirt.
“Italy is not just a team, it is a whole country cheering us on and we are representing them, so must respect the jersey.”
Zaniolo had thanked Roberto Mancini because he was given his first Italy call-up before making a single appearance in Serie A, but is already impressed with new boss Spalletti.
“Spalletti is a coach who says things to your face, clearly, and I love that. I prefer someone who tells me an ugly truth rather than a beautiful lie.
“The coach is a great person, I hope we go far with him and have more great performances like tonight. We want not only to reach the Euros, but to play as protagonists, because this is a strong team. We are at the start of a new era and will give our all to achieve something remarkable again.”
Italy are now in second place on seven points, the same as Ukraine and North Macedonia, but the Azzurri have a game in hand.
England are out front with 13 points from five matches.
The top two automatically qualify for the European Championship in Germany next summer.