Ex-Italy coach Cesare Prandelli explains how Italy can end their crisis in football and is surprised by the players\u2019 attitude during EURO 2024.<\/p>\n
There are still plenty of reactions to Italy\u2019s shocking elimination from the European Championships.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d ex-Italy coach Prandelli told Gazzetta.<\/p>\n
Regardless of France\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is necessary to rejuvenate. Not really for the average age because we are already quite young, but mostly for the team spirit,\u201d noted Prandelli.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere 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\u2019t have Spain\u2019s quality, not even Italy\u2019s, except Kvara. They ran and fought until the end, trying to score even if they had lost already. Even Denmark didn\u2019t give up against Germany. Not like us. I saw many slow, horizontal passes. Luciano must rejuvenate the players in their heads. That\u2019s how we can react.\u201d<\/p>\n
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?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a hard question, and there isn\u2019t a real answer because all the major tournaments are decided by incidents and details,\u201d replied Prandelli, who reached the 2012 EURO Final with the Azzurri.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurely, one must reduce his ego and make himself available in terms of adapting to the players. There isn\u2019t enough time and confidence, so you must decide and make them the protagonists. You are not the Spain coach.\u201d<\/p>\n
What didn\u2019t work in Germany and why did Spalletti made so many changes during the tournament?<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t read Spalletti\u2019s mind, but perhaps he saw no securities,\u201d Prandelli replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe didn\u2019t 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\u2019s the truth. Surely, Italy must find a project.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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\u2019s help the players grow in terms of personality, determination, and sense of belonging.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t 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,\u201d concluded Prandelli.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf after playing in the U21, there are players who don\u2019t 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\u2019 assets too, but the FIGC must believe in a project and invest.\u201d<\/p>\n