Italy's Coach Calls For More Attacking Bravery After Euro 2024 Opening Win

Luciano Spalletti has urged Italy to adopt a more aggressive approach despite their 2-1 comeback win over Albania in Saturday's Euro 2024 match. This victory marks Italy's third consecutive opening match win at the European Championships, following similar successes in 2016 and 2020. Previously, Italy had only managed two wins in their first eight appearances (D5 L1).

The Azzurri had to mount a comeback after Nedim Bajrami's goal for Albania just 23 seconds into the match, setting a new record for the fastest goal in Euros history. Alessandro Bastoni equalised shortly after, and Nicolo Barella's 10th international goal secured the win, putting Italy level on points with Spain at the top of Group B.

Despite the victory, Spalletti expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of Italy's performance. The team has now scored in 10 consecutive Euros matches, joining England (2012) and Portugal (2004) in achieving this feat. "We saw many good things, but they need to actually take us somewhere; otherwise, they are pointless," Spalletti told RAI Sport. "There was the possibility to hurt them several times, and we didn't go for it. We prepared the move well, then passed it backwards. We changed our minds too quickly."

Off to a ???????????????????????? start #ITAALB #EURO2024 #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/b3nD3PfJh6

— Italy (@Azzurri_En) June 15, 2024

Barella, who missed both warm-up friendlies due to injury, returned to play a crucial role in Italy's victory. However, Spalletti dismissed suggestions that Italy relies heavily on Barella. "A national team must be able to do without anyone because there are 26 strong players," Spalletti responded when questioned about Barella's influence. "I don't like this idea that the team depends on an individual."

Barella himself was pleased with Italy's response to Albania's early goal. "It was a bit of a strange start; an opening goal after 23 seconds could really hurt the players psychologically," Barella told Sky Sport Italia. "However, we wanted this victory. We should've scored more goals and fell away a bit at the end, but we started on the right foot with this win."