Spalletti wants more of the same from Italy against Spain who ‘always play the same way’

June 20 – Italy and Spain renew their rivalry with a ticket to the last 16 of Euro 2024 at stake in their Group B clash. 

The heavyweight prize fight will allow one side to seize the initiative in the group of death and in control of their destiny as different routes to the final begin to take shape.

Italy vs Spain is the biggest game in the group stage and reignites a longstanding competition between the two countries.

The Spanish defeated Italy in the semi-finals of the past two Nations Leagues, but the Azzurri had the biggest win when they eliminated La Roja from Euro 2020 in a tight and tense semi-final. That Wembley result has further fueled the rivalry between the two sides.

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti however denied the familiarity between the two sides played a role.

“This is not a ‘derby’ for me. When you play a Euro, all games are finals, all games are unique, all games are something to remember. We want to play the same kind of football we played against Albania and measure ourselves against one of the strongest teams in Europe. I’m sure that if we leave the ball to them, it will end badly for us. So we will have to take the initiative and see if we manage to do so against such great opponents,” said Spalletti.

The Italians opened their account with a 2-1 victory after falling behind in the opening stages, but Jorginho and Nicolo Barella orchestrated play to reverse their side’s fortunes.

Spain impressed by dismantling Croatia 3-0 in their opening game, but the manner of their victory was more instructive than the result. Spain for once did not enjoy the majority of possession as they seek to move away from Tiki Taka under manager Luis de la Fuente.

“We will have to understand the moments of the game, when we can let them have the initiative and when we cannot,” said Spalletti.

“We always want to put pressure on our opponents because otherwise Spain never lose possession if you don’t press them hard. When you manage…

Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/06/20/spalletti-wants-italy-spain-always-play-way/

Author : Paul Nicholson

Publish date : 2024-06-20 09:38:54

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