“It was an immense joy.” Mattia Zaccagni is the hero of the Azzurri evening, with the goal in the 98th minute that sends Italy to the round of 16 of Euro 2024. «Calafiori was very good at giving me that ball – the Lazio winger told Sky – I pulled without thinking». Zaccagni’s joy is above all «for this group, which Spalletti has trained to a great extent».
“We deservedly got through to the next round,” he said. the Italian national team coach Luciano Spalletti. “You have to believe until the last second, this is football, there are moments that become key – explained Spalletti -. And since they had put themselves behind, a clean exchange in the three-quarter line was enough to take them behind. We also missed some goals”. Now there is Switzerland in the eighth finals: “We still have to get our hands on some aspects because there are things that are illogical in our games. We deservedly got through, now we will think in view of the next games”, he concluded.
“The satisfaction is enormous, I’m happy with the qualification to the next round. The disqualification in the eighth finals? I’ll cheer for my teammates” said the Italian defender Richard Calafioriwho provided the assist for Zaccagni’s decisive goal. “We didn’t play badly, we played well in some parts. We have a goal in mind and we can’t be satisfied with having passed the round,” added Calafiori.
“The match was hard-fought, but the important thing was to get through a group that was tough and difficult. Drawing it at the last minute is a great feeling and we are happy.” The Italian defender told Rai Sport John DiLorenzo after the draw against Croatia that allows Italy to qualify for the round of 16 of Euro 2024, where they will face Switzerland. “We have to grow, time is short and we will take home this qualification. In terms of play we can do better but in terms of character the team gave everything. We have to start again from this point. Italy will be tough to face”, he explained. “I was rightly criticized on a bad night against strong opponents. I am not the player seen against Spain, I will move forward with balance and continue to work. Tonight I am happy with the qualification and for the coach because I have a great relationship with him. Probably with another coach I would not have played, but for a player to feel trust is very important”, Di Lorenzo’s words. “This is a group made up of great players but also great people. We deserve to move forward, now the fun begins and the challenges from inside and outside. We have to improve but I am sure that we will get great satisfaction”, concludes the full-back.