Spalletti: ‘No gap between Italy and Germany, we can win there’ | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti insists there is ‘no gap’ between Italy and Germany after tonight’s 2-1 home defeat. ‘I don’t see why we can’t do the same there.’

The Nations League quarter-final is tipped very heavily in Germany’s favour now after they came back to win the first leg 2-1 at San Siro.

Sandro Tonali had opened the scoring for a strong Azzurri performance, but it fell apart after the break with Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka headers.

When asked in the press conference why there is a gap between the two teams, Spalletti argued with the premise.

“There is no gap, that is the analysis gained from this match. There is a difference in the incidents that were decisive, as they made the most of the extra height and the few chances they created, while we did not do the same,” replied the coach.

“This is the whole match. Considering the way I view it, I say congratulations and that we can go and play for qualification in the second leg.”

Spalletti already warned that he doesn’t want the recurring nightmare of conceding from set plays to become a psychological block for his defenders.

“We cannot keep talking about it. Germany had many corners in the first half and we defended those well, but they have this strength and made the most of it. We can respond with other characteristics and qualities.”

It is a mountain to climb for Italy to overturn the 2-1 first leg deficit on German soil, but the coach believes in his squad.

“This team has character. I complimented my players in the locker room. We were never outplayed tonight.

“I don’t see why we shouldn’t be convinced that we can do the same there. If we want to be objective, that is what we saw this evening. I am convinced we can have a good performance there, then we’ll discuss it after the match.”

Spalletti injury updates for Italy squad

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, looks dejected after the team’s defeat in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

There are concerns around Riccardo Calafiori, as the Arsenal defender slipped during the final moments of the match and fell awkwardly.

“We don’t know yet, he said his knee feels strange, but cannot answer more precisely than that, so we’ll have to see. Unfortunately, his studs slipped as he went to cut out a pass.

“I can say Andrea Cambiaso is doing much better, we think the next two days can be decisive and if he continues with this progress, then he can play.”

Tonali not only scored the opening goal, but was also a dominant figure in the Italy midfield and our Man of the Match for the Azzurri.

“Tonali is an attacking midfielder, he always tries to finish off the move,” explained Spalletti.

“This is what we expect from him. He proved again this evening how strong he is, we’re pleased with his performance and hope he can continue like this.”

With Mateo Retegui pulling out through injury, the only real option to start upfront was Moise Kean.

“He confirmed tonight the progress he has made in Serie A with Fiorentina. Kean was unlucky on a couple of situations, but created chances out of service that was tough under the aggressive German defensive line.

“When they press you with that ferocity, you sometimes have to just punt it forward, so having a striker who can fight for it or draw fouls is fundamental.”

Matteo Politano went off after a strong performance and Mattia Zaccagni was barely fit for the bench, so who will Spalletti call up for the second leg?

“It also depended on Kean, who was a yellow card away from suspension, but he managed to avoid that. We’ll have to evaluate Politano and Zaccagni, then if Zaccagni can’t make it, we’ll call either Tommaso Baldanzi or a winger.”