Luciano Spalletti, choices almost made for Euro 2024

The words of Luciano Spalletti

Luciano Spalletti spoke with a view to Euro 2024 on the sidelines of the presentation of Azzurro Vivo Tv, FIGC’s new digital platform. "80% of the convocations are made,” he stressed, “but then there's a window of 20% in which we are always ready to embrace those who want to be in it or let out those who think the national team is a personal game. There'è needs to belong, to be Italian. To those who stay home we have to show this and rise to the occasion".

"The fans should not have the feeling that they are dealing with spoiled children, but with very serious guys – added the coach – Someone sometimes may think that you depend on him, but you depend on the collective willingness. When I had to make decisions, maybe outside they were not shared but inside we did the result we had to do. I win if I can create a team, I don’t want to be your friend if I give you the national team jersey. We will have to do free soccer, I never had my football". 

"I have to try to transmit the same emotion that I have to the footballers, going to live this experience,” the Tuscan coach continued. Then when we get excited, everything will come easier to us because we will be able to put that extra something into it. I have said many times that I have been very lucky to do this job and almost always happy. When it comes to victory or defeat they are two sides of the same coin. I look forward to sharing with Italians the passion I have for this jersey, the emotions will be beautiful".

"For me, it will be crucial when we come back and people say to us: "we are proud of you"  and that is the thing we have to aspire to. The Azzurri jersey is not worn for two hours but 24 hours every day, actually two overtime hours: 26 hours a day. Being defending champions è an incentive. Even they in 2021 were not the strongest on paper, then they became a special team" concluded Spalletti.