Italy: Spalletti's press conference live
Follow Luciano Spalletti's press conference live as Italy prepare for World Cup qualifying matches against Norway and Moldova.
The Azzurri begin their World Cup qualification journey on June 6 in Oslo against Erling Haaland's Norway. The second game will be played on June 9 at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.
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Norway have already taken a commanding lead in Italy's Group I, winning their opening two games.
The Azzurri will make their debut next week after facing Nations League quarter-finals elimination at the hands of Germany in March.
epa11984392 Head coach Luciano Spalletti of Italy gesutres during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, 2nd leg match between Germany and Italy in Dortmund, Germany, 23 March 2025. EPA-EFE/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL
Football Italia will cover Spalletti's press conference live from the Azzurri training centre in Coverciano.
Every word Spalletti said about Italy, Inter and Champions League
The Azzurri boss will predictably speak about upcoming games, as well as Inter's Champions League Final defeat against PSG last night.
On the other hand, Italy captain Gigio Donnarumma won the Champions League for the first time in his career and will reach Coverciano in the coming hours alongside Inter's Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco and Francesco Acerbi.
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Follow Spalletti's press conference LIVE below
VERDICT ON INTER – 'I still think it's been an exceptional season because they reached the end of all the competitions, but had to give way to very strong teams like Napoli, PSG, and Milan. I would place more emphasis on Inter's journey than on the defeats. I believe they managed to achieve things that are extremely difficult to carry through when you're at that level. I know it well. I am aware of the challenges that exist within. Watching those matches, such as against Barcelona and Bayern, what they did in those Champions League victories was extraordinary.
'Of course, there's disappointment because several factors come together that are hard to defend against. It's normal not to be at your best in certain games during such an intense season. What really deserves to be highlighted is the great work they've done. They've reached the Champions League final twice in three years. That takes a kind of strength that isn't easily shaken, and they've proven themselves to be great players in a great club—even if, unfortunately, they lost.
'It's in matches of this level that you truly show what kind of person you are and how much strength you have. Right now, naturally, it feels like their world is collapsing, and we'll use that to rebuild a lot through this upcoming match. If I were in their shoes, I'd feel lucky to have the chance to immediately play for something extraordinary and beautiful, like bringing Italy to the World Cup.'
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WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS – 'Let's be clear: in Norway, everything is on the line when it comes to whether or not we'll qualify for the World Cup. The players and I are fully aware of it—we mentioned this in yesterday's meeting with Gigi present. We have a duty to fulfil this task that's been entrusted to us. We need to qualify because it's absolutely crucial for us.
DONNARUMMA – 'Donnarumma once again showed that he's the best of all, even last night. Outstanding, magnificent in the saves he made in the Champions League, which we all saw. But also during the league season, he pulled off incredible interventions—at the very limit of what's possible. We also have others who have won European competitions. It gives us strength to have champions of this calibre, who have lifted trophies and played for a place on the European podium.
ACERBI – 'Acerbi did not respond to the call-up—we acknowledge that and move forward. It's not a physical issue; he reflected on everything that happened around him. That's why I called him up. I've said several times that I have to pay close attention to what the league presents, especially considering what he has shown during this period.
'He had previously expressed some doubts, and it's true that we're reaching the end of the season, out of breath. It hasn't been easy to make these call-ups.'
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