The emotions of Leverkusen for the pass snatched by Italy at Euro 2024 is still on Luciano Spalletti’s skin, as well as the disappointment of the accusations the next day. «We didn’t steal anything, we didn’t deserve but deserved to qualify», the coach’s words in response to the foreign media’s attacks on the episode between Cristante and Mudryk, in the match against Ukraine, which was not judged by a penalty. «If one goes to extrapolate only that to come against us it is not right, without looking at the rest of the team’s performance – he added – The match was difficult due to the pressure it had and that episode may be doubtful, but certainly not as clear as they want to put a lot. Sorry.”
A controversy that wants to end like this, because according to Spalletti Italy has done its job “in a professional and correct way”. And it was not an easy task for the technical commissioner, who took over after the resignation of Roberto Mancini, in a treacherous qualifying round.
“I didn’t have time to think about anything other than the national team because time was very tight,” he said. But he already has the next steps in his head, namely playing a couple of friendlies before approaching Euro 2024, while to those who ask him how the center forward problem can be solved he responds with a solution that for now is only in his head but which will be tested in the coming months.
«For me, Zaniolo can be a striker and could also have an important future», explained Spalletti, not failing to mention the three center forwards called up in the last break (Scamacca, Kean and Raspadori) and those who remained at home (Immobile and Retegui) who «we appreciate and know very well». There is also some advice for younger people. «We do the Primavera with the players and then there are two possibilities: the bench or the minor categories. Very few go abroad to compete in top-level championships to show off their numbers”, concluded Spalletti who is now waiting for the draw for Euro 24′ and the next matches.