Spalletti admits Italy not favourite at Euro 2024 and reveals Azzurri’s target | OneFootball

Italy CT Luciano Spalletti admits there are teams ‘on a higher level’ at Euro 2024, but is confident the Azzurri can play on par ‘if we become a team’ and reveals his target in Germany.

Spalletti spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Monday night while attending the Premio Cesarini.

The Azzurri will start training at Coverciano this coming Friday with 30 players available and Spalletti will announce his final 26-man squad list on June 6.

Italy will defend their champions status at Euro 2024 this summer.

“Surely, Mancini did great work, and we must start from that, trying to do even more,” said Spalletti.

“We must be ready because this is a very important competition. We are enthusiastic, and we feel the desire of all Italians to help us. We are happy to be those who bring this message and this feeling to the pitch. Our target is to return from Germany and hear Italians say, ‘We are proud of you.'”

Scamacca has been the most prolific Italian striker in 2024 and one of the best scorers in Europe this year. Spalletti did not include him in the team in March, but the Atalanta star is part of the preliminary squad for Euro 2024.

Spalletti opens up about Scamacca

“I am not surprised. I played him against Ukraine and England. Why should I be surprised?” said the CT.

“He’s doing what he’s expected to. He is one of the three centre forwards in the national team, so he has to give back this gift. He will be so important to me, and I thank Gasperini for doing great work with him. He has shown important things lately.”

What are his feelings regarding coaching Italy at a major international tournament?

Spalletti admits Italy not favourite at Euro 2024 and reveals Azzurri’s target

“It’s the highest moment of my career. It’s like I am living in paradise because I am preparing the national team for the Euros,” he said.

“As I’ve already said, I will try to give my best. I don’t know if it will be enough. We’ll have to clarify some things: we have strong footballers, so we must make them become a team, and if we make it, I am convinced we can play on par with teams that, at the moment, are on a higher level. However, we have this period to work together. We have our history which is fundamental.”

Spalletti confirmed that five Italy legends will watch an Azzurri training session on Monday next week.

“We want to bring a bit of this history too. Baggio, Del Piero, Totti and Antognoni are recognised by the team. I also wanted a No.10 of my times, so I’ll bring Gianni Rivera. To have all of them there will be a nice thing to see and will immediately clarify the behaviour we must have.”

During the same interview, Spalletti also spoke about Antonio Conte and his imminent appointment as the new Napoli coach.