We don't have stars like Baggio and Del Piero anymore. But we have more than a team
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 09.09.24. | 10:45
Luciano Spalletti is delighted after that recent battering of France at Parc des Princes, and ahead of tonight's clash against Israel
Luciano Spalletti is delighted with the performance his Italy players put in against France in the Nations League on Friday. The Azzurri boss feels that the squad have learned to play more collectively in the absence of a naturally gifted creator like Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero or Francesco Totti in the past.
Speaking ahead of tonight's clash against Israel in the UEFA Nations League, and asked about those comparisons, he said:
"You have to be good at understanding the moments; for example, we don't currently have a technically gifted creator at the moment; we don't have a Baggio, Del Piero or Totti. But, we have lots of guys who know how to do lots of different things, who know how to adapt. It's a football of feeling and sacrifice.
"These things make a difference, we become better at knowing how to do things collectively, taking on team responsibilities. On Friday, we were more than just a team, we were brothers who came together as a team and that is the key to solving lots of difficulties."
Spalletti was asked how pleased he was to welcome Sandro Tonali back to the group. He responded with a glowing character reference.
"We were ready to welcome him with open arms. He's an important player for us, given his qualities. Now that he's here, we've seen a new Tonali, one that's eager to show his quality as a footballer, a Tonali who has the ability to help everyone on the pitch because he knows how to do everything. His teammates love him so much, having him back in the changing room was a source of happiness for the other guys, too," concluded Spalletti.
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE - GROUP STAGE
Monday
19.00: (4.20) Cyprus (3.45) Kosovo (1.90)
21.45: (1.90) France (3.60) Belgium (4.50)
21.45: (9.00) Israel (5.00) Italy (1.35)
21.45: (2.35) Norway (3.40) Austria (3.00)
21.45: (1.37) Slovenia (4.70) Kazakhstan (9.00)
21.45: (3.45) Montenegro (3.25) Wales (2.20)
21.45: (1.58) Turkey (4.00) Iceland (5.90)
21.45: (1.25) Romania (5.70) Lithuania (13.0)
***odds are subject to change***
