‘A bit frenetic’ – Mixed reviews for Tottenham’s Udogie in Italy-Venezuela | OneFootball

Destiny Udogie was considered unconvincing for Italy in their friendly win over Venezuela, casting some doubts over the Tottenham full back ahead of Euro 2024.

The 21-year-old made the jump to the Premier League last summer and quickly began to impress under Ange Postecoglou in North London, scoring two goals and providing three assists across 24 Premier League appearances.

Udogie made his first two appearances for Italy in their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England back in October and was again included in Luciano Spalletti’s squad for the friendlies with Venezuela and Ecuador.

La Gazzetta dello Sport tried to find the positives with Udogie’s performance against Venezuela, writing: “The start was disorientating for him too, but then he showed strength and willingness to help, even if he remained a bit frenetic. With a fixed man up front (Zaccagni), he felt better.”

Corriere dello Sport were a little less forgiving than their Milanese counterparts, drawing attention to his errors against Venezuela, saying: “He played for Azzurri at Wembley and since he’s having a leading season in London, with Tottenham, Spalletti gave him another chance. At 22 he smells the European Championship, but the start pushed him back.

“In the build-up from the back he was anticipated by Aramburu and from there came the penalty. A lack of attention which fortunately for him didn’t turn into a disadvantage. The error, however, does not affect him and he returns to the game.”

Tuttosport were the least impressed, suggesting that the Tottenham full back needs to bounce back after such a disappointing performance, commenting: “Ready, go and he lost the ball which put Buongiorno in trouble, landslide on Rondon.

“First midfielder when Chiesa widens, then ensnared in the Venezuelan web of midfield, Tottenham’s Udogie never managed to get off to a quick start, the quality that makes him most appreciated. But Udogie is only 21 years old. He will make up for it.”

La Gazzetta dello Sport: 6