Euro 2024: Italy set for modifications after Spain ‘shellacking’

Luciano Spalletti named the identical beginning lineup for Italy’s first two Euro 2024 video games, however following their defeat to Spain modifications can be made for the ultimate Group B match in opposition to Croatia, the supervisor mentioned on Sunday.

After Italy’s 2-1 win over Albania, Spalletti stored religion together with his gamers, however after the 1-0 defeat to Spain wherein his aspect was completely outplayed, the supervisor had spoken of a drained group who couldn’t compete with the tempo and vitality of the Spanish.

“After a recreation like that, the thought of with the ability to change one thing is there, as a result of I most likely made a mistake to not change earlier than, wanting on the efficiency in opposition to Spain,” Spalletti instructed reporters.

“However the group in opposition to Albania appeared so good to me that I believed it was a bet to alter issues. Now that we’ve seen a little bit of fatigue, a little bit of rustiness, one thing will certainly change.”

The consequence in opposition to Spain and the way of the defeat led to a lot dialogue within the Italian camp over the previous few days however now the time for speaking is over.

“I believe the shellacking we acquired in opposition to Spain the opposite day has taught us loads. Whenever you lose, you see the making of the person, the making of the participant,” mentioned Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni.

Added Spalletti: “We analysed it and talked about it, we took a step again by way of what we might seen in matches coming into that one.

“I count on to see that the sport in opposition to Spain taught us some classes, regardless that we performed badly and suffered due to the way it ended.

“Now we’ve to place info earlier than us and depart the phrases apart.”

Italy previously have been famend for his or her defensive capabilities, their capacity to see out a win, however the days of that “Catenaccio” (“door bolt”) model are lengthy behind them and haven’t any place in trendy soccer in keeping with Spalletti.

“Soccer at present is now not nearly doing one factor, it’s a must to know how one can do a couple of,” Spalletti mentioned.

“Given Croatia’s high quality, generally we can be pressured to defend with 11 gamers, to compact after which flip the motion round with out permitting the opponents to recompose a defensive part.

“It is clear that in at present’s soccer you may’t do it in the entire recreation, you may’t simply reside on low defence and restarts.”

Spain on six factors have already received the group, and Italy with three factors want a draw in opposition to Croatia to ensure their place within the final 16 as runners-up.

Defeat would see Croatia, who’ve one level, overtake the Italians and will depart them sweating on being one of many 4 greatest third-placed groups to advance, or out altogether if Albania, additionally on one level, have been to beat Spain.

“There are particular matches which in the end dictate whether or not it has been an incredible story or a story to overlook,” Spalletti mentioned.

“So in the end the glory of your story comes right down to video games comparable to these.”

Info from Reuters and The Related Press contributed to this report.