Ex-Italy coach Prandelli explains how the Azzurri can end their crisis | OneFootball

Ex-Italy coach Cesare Prandelli explains how Italy can end their crisis in football and is surprised by the players’ attitude during EURO 2024.

There are still plenty of reactions to Italy’s shocking elimination from the European Championships.

“The blow itself is not a problem, and I am sure it will be digested soon, so the Azzurri will be ready against France [in the Nations League] in September. Italy will have no fear, but they will need a different sort of reaction,” ex-Italy coach Prandelli told Gazzetta.

Regardless of France’s results at EURO 2024 this summer, Les Blues will naturally be favourites against the Azzurri as shown on specialised websites such as At 4Rabet. However, Spalletti will drastically change the squad in two months, calling younger and physically stronger players.

“It is necessary to rejuvenate. Not really for the average age because we are already quite young, but mostly for the team spirit,” noted Prandelli.

“There are too many unanswered questions. How is it possible not to react despite a coach like Spalletti and a delegation chief like Gigi Buffon? What happened in Berlin? Did you see Georgia? They fought hard and they don’t have Spain’s quality, not even Italy’s, except Kvara. They ran and fought until the end, trying to score even if they had lost already. Even Denmark didn’t give up against Germany. Not like us. I saw many slow, horizontal passes. Luciano must rejuvenate the players in their heads. That’s how we can react.”

Spalletti has admitted that being a national team coach is different from being a club coach. But can he learn how to lead the Azzurri?

“It’s a hard question, and there isn’t a real answer because all the major tournaments are decided by incidents and details,” replied Prandelli, who reached the 2012 EURO Final with the Azzurri.

“Surely, one must reduce his ego and make himself available in terms of adapting to the players. There isn’t enough time and confidence, so you must decide and make them the protagonists. You are not the Spain coach.”

What didn’t work in Germany and why did Spalletti made so many changes during the tournament?

“I can’t read Spalletti’s mind, but perhaps he saw no securities,” Prandelli replied.

“He didn’t receive reassuring answers so he tried to find a balance somehow. It was not easy. The Inter block was disappointing because they had switched off. They won the title too early to remain fit. I am sorry to say, but it’s the truth. Surely, Italy must find a project.

“We must not be too negative. There are some quality players, but they should not think about the tactical system or the ball possession when they are kids. Let’s help the players grow in terms of personality, determination, and sense of belonging.

“We don’t need ten years. Half is enough, but imminent decisions are needed. Back in my days, there was a proposal that still seemed valid to me,” concluded Prandelli.

“If after playing in the U21, there are players who don’t get enough playing time at a club level, they should not stay on the bench. FIGC must create a team playing in Serie B or Serie C that would give these footballers some playing time. It would enhance the clubs’ assets too, but the FIGC must believe in a project and invest.”