Italy Sets Sights On Euro 2024 Glory, Coach Spalletti Optimistic

Luciano Spalletti has emphasised that his team must aim to retain their European Championship title, even if it appears challenging. The Azzurri head to Germany as reigning champions, having defeated England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley three years ago. Despite this victory, Italy's recent form has been inconsistent, with failures to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

After taking over from Roberto Mancini last year, Spalletti is optimistic about his team's prospects in Germany. However, he stressed the importance of embracing the responsibility that comes with being European Champions. "We will never be calm, wearing the Italy shirt, so we must aspire to a lot," Spalletti stated ahead of Italy's match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. "Sometimes games make you struggle, but we must prove that we are able to take on this responsibility. We work seriously, and we aim for the top."

Luciano Spalletti's #Azzurri squad for #EURO2024 #VivoAzzurro

Spalletti was appointed as Italy's coach in September following Mancini's sudden resignation and move to Saudi Arabia. The former Napoli manager faced immediate challenges, entering crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers just days after his appointment. Italy's performance in qualifying was underwhelming, with two losses to England and a narrow second-place finish.

"We know where we come from. Surely, the best thing is not to tell these guys that the only way to wear this shirt proudly is to win," Spalletti added. "When I arrived, there was an open wound. We want to grow, but we start from a non-qualification to the World Cup. We want to work seriously, and we don't want to hack ourselves."

The Azzurri will face Albania in their Group B opener in Dortmund on June 15, followed by matches against Spain, the three-time European champions, and Croatia.