Spalletti warned Belgium of ‘tough’ Italy game and saw ‘important things’ | OneFootball

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti is convinced it will be ‘tough’ for Belgium to play against his side if they manage to bring to the pitch what he saw in these days’ training sessions and in the previous games.

The Azzurri will take on Domenico Tedesco’s side on Thursday in the first of the final two games of their Nations League group, and Spalletti considers the two fixtures ‘fundamental’ for his players to keep showing ‘self-esteem’ and ‘belief’ in their own potential.

Luciano Spalletti’s Italy press conference ahead of November Nations League fixtures against Belgium and France.

Italy sit on top of their group with 10 points from four games, with their only draw coming during October’s international break against Belgium, who came from behind to draw 2-2 at the Stadio Olimpico after the hosts were reduced to 10 men due to Lorenzo Pellegrini’s dismissal.

Spalletti: Italy will be ‘tough’ to play for Belgium if we are ‘what I saw’

Speaking ahead of Italy’s trip to Belgium, Spalletti explained that getting positive results in the upcoming Nations League fixtures “would be the confirmation that we’ve brought home what we highlighted in previous matches.”

“The continuity of behaviours, the self-esteem in the qualities we possess, the belief in our potential and our strength – in this respect, these two results become fundamental for the attitude we’ll bring to the field.”

The former Napoli and Inter coach seemed very pleased with how Italy’s players have been working in recent days, looking ‘confident’ ahead of two important games.

“I saw important things,” he said.

“I saw what I like to see from my players when you’re in a role like mine. I saw players confident in their qualities, and we’re eager to play these two matches, which can give us so much for the future.

“I expect to see the Italy we saw at the Stadio Olimpico. I don’t know what they [Belgium] will manage to bring to the table, but if we are what I saw this morning, what I saw in previous matches, it will be tough for anyone to play against this Italy.

“I always expect to achieve very important things because of the work I do; otherwise, I’d be the first to limit the mental potential and opportunities of these young players who, on the contrary, need to help us become a very strong national team once again.

Spalletti said he has ‘more or less’ picked up his side’s line-up for the Belgium game.

“More or less, I’ve already chosen the line-up,” he concluded.

“Of course, a decision can be left until the last moment.”