Spalletti hints at ‘more’ Italy players and makes Calafiori prediction

epa11721407 Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti (2-R) and national team delegation head Gianluigi Buffon (R) sing their national anthem ahead of the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Belgium and Italy in Brussels, Belgium, 14 November 2024. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER MATTHYS

Italy CT Luciano Spalletti believes Riccardo Calafiori has the potential to become a top-class player for the Azzurri and suggests he’ll call up ‘more’ than just 22 or 23 players in March.

The Azzurri return to action next month, meeting Germany in the Nations League quarter-finals.

As reported by TMW, Spalletti met with the media on Monday to share his view on the state of Italian football.

The Italian coach was asked whether his team lacks a top-class player who can win games single-handedly.

“These talents, these great players, can provide a solution in a short time. It’s true. But talent is not just about making a decisive attacking play,” he replied.

Spalletti hints at ‘more’ Italy players and makes Calafiori prediction

“In my opinion, someone like Calafiori could reach this level. Cambiaso has already shown that he could attract interest from top clubs.”

On Saturday, Calafiori started his first Premier League game for Arsenal in over a month, but could not avoid a 1-0 loss against London rivals West Ham.

“Watching Real Madrid play, I see talent not only in their offensive moves but also in their ability never to misplace a pass,” Spalletti continued.

“A repeated action is executed perfectly every time. Barella, for example, seems like a talented player with his surging runs and ability to recover the ball from everywhere.

“Even though this is already an important group to build on, we want to take a closer look at players like Baldanzi. Folorunsho is doing very well, and we will monitor him until the end before making final call-up decisions. I think it might be possible to bring one or two more players in addition to the usual 22 or 23 this time.”

Spalletti reassured that there is positive news on Moise Kean who was released from hospital this morning after suffering a head trauma in Sunday’s Fiorentina game against Verona.

The Italy international is the second top goal scorer in Serie A after Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui.

“We are very happy with both of them,” argued Spalletti.

“They are both number No.9, but different. One [Retegui] is more of a penalty-area striker, while the other attacks the space more.”

The Italy CT confirmed that Retegui and Kean could start together in the coming matches.

“This is something that can happen, especially against teams that play with a very low defensive block.

“In those cases, you have to either add another forward or use a winger with more attacking qualities. To play offensive football, the positioning of the wide players is crucial. It makes the difference. So instead of having someone who focuses on crossing, you might consider using a player like Politano, who can also cut inside.”

Another Napoli player, Giacomo Raspadori, is getting more playing time under Antonio Conte following David Neres’ injury.

“What he is doing now is perfect. That is his role,” concluded Spalletti.

“Yesterday, he ran a lot in Como. He can contribute a great deal in that position, especially if he manages to get more playing time.”