Rovella ‘forever grateful’ to Spalletti for Italy debut | OneFootball

Lazio midfielder Nicolò Rovella will ‘be forever grateful’ to coach Luciano Spalletti for his senior Italy debut, as starting in the win over Belgium was a show of ‘great faith.’

The player turns 23 next month and has flourished with regular playing time at Lazio, especially in the current campaign under Marco Baroni.

It earned him not only his first senior cap for Italy, but a prestigious starting spot in this evening’s 1-0 Nations League victory away to Belgium.

“It was already an incredible feeling to make my debut, but getting it during a victory and from the start was just amazing. I am very happy and hope to continue like this,” Rovella told RAI Sport.

The game was decided by an early Sandro Tonali goal to finish off a well-worked team move, while Wout Faes had the best chance to equalise with a header that clipped the upright in Brussels.

Rovella eager to learn for Italy and Lazio

Players of Italy celebrate after scoring the 0-1 goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Belgium and Italy in Brussels, Belgium, 14 November 2024. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER MATTHYS

Spalletti had plenty of instructions to give Rovella from the touchline, in the first half complaining that he was not spreading the ball quickly enough.

“It’s only right that he reproaches me and gives me instructions, the coach is excellent and working with him is something to be very proud of. He showed great faith in me with this starting spot and I will be forever grateful.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Belgium 0-1 Italy

Lazio are top of the Europa League table and flying high one point off Serie A leaders Napoli too, so with the Italy debut as well it is a remarkable campaign for Rovella.

“It certainly is, but I always look to the future and hope to do even better both with the Nazionale and Lazio. I always say we must not set ourselves limits, this is a young group eager to prove itself, so we’ve got to keep playing like this and push to go as far as possible.”

Rovella was asked if he had a special dedication for his senior Italy debut.

“To my father and mother, as they were always there and gave me support, even when I was far from home.”