Spalletti in 'heaven' after Italy Euro boost

Italy occupy the second of two automatic qualifying places in Group C after Spalletti's first win on his home debut, which came thanks to two strikes in the first half-an-hour at the San Siro from Inter Milan midfielder Frattesi. The 22-year-old, who was picked in place of the injured Sandro Tonali, rifled in two low finishes to move Italy level on seven points with Ukraine, who scored through captain Andriy Yarmolenko four minutes before half-time, and North Macedonia.

Next month Italy face Malta in Bari before travelling to Wembley, the site of their thrilling triumph at the last Euro, to take on England who lead that trio by six points. "I've settled in very well. It's incredible being here, I feel like I'm in heaven, surrounded by blue," Spalletti told reporters. "We have difficulties, like everyone, but we also have obligations that we need to take on. And when we're in difficulty we need to know how to act."

Tuesday's win might have had a tight scoreline but there were encouraging signs that Italy were beginning to take on some of Spalletti's methods. Apart from a brief period after the break Italy dominated the match with a flowing brand of football reminiscent of the Napoli team Spalletti led to a historic Serie A title last season.

Missing a clutch of first-choice players including Juventus forward Federico Chiesa, Italy could easily have won by more. They wasted a host of chances and struck the woodwork through Manuel Locatelli in a display which was worlds away from the dismal 1-1 draw with North Macedonia on Saturday.

"It was hard for us to play so soon after playing against England (at the weekend). Italy played with real intensity, it was hard for us to keep up with them," admitted Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov. "However I believe we still have a chance to qualify."

 

September 12, 2023