Luciano Spalletti doesn’t trust Malta: “Woe to be conceited”

Luciano Spalletti does not want to underestimate the opponent

The football history and values, at least on paper, of Italy and Malta invite most to optimism for the Euro 2024 qualifying match scheduled for Saturday in Bari, but Luciano Spalletti does not want to hear about three easy points, and indeed asks for maximum concentration from those who will take the field.

"There are always risks when playing a soccer match,” the coach said in the press conference staged on Friday evening. “We must not make the mistake of being presumptuous, woe to that: where presumption begins, growth ends, the risk is that we may think of an abordable game, instead we must deserve it".

The San Nicola in Bari will be full, Spalletti wants to give the fans a brilliant success: "Bari has responded exceptionally well to the arrival of the national team. We want to thank the fans right now for the warmth they will make us feel. Their help will beà fundamental".

Last-minute absences do not worry the former Napoli coach: "We have five role midfielders, then there'è Udogie who is playing in midfield in the Premier League and has the right physicality for the role. I feel very comfortable with whoever is there'è in fact I even have some left over'…".