Spalletti: ‘Chose wrong Italy line-up, but some players were afraid’

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

Luciano Spalletti admits he perhaps ‘got the starting line-up wrong’ and that some younger players were ‘afraid’ in the bizarre 3-3 draw with Germany, which might change his choices in future.

It was already going to be difficult for the Azzurri after losing the first leg 2-1 at San Siro, but they were blown away to trail 3-0 by half-time in Dortmund.

Moise Kean’s brace and a stoppage-time Giacomo Raspadori penalty completed the comeback for a 3-3 draw, but they were still eliminated from the Nations League quarter-final, 5-4 on aggregate.

Inevitably, the first question at the press conference was asking why Italy were so embarrassingly poor in the first half.

“It becomes difficult for a coach to see his players are not experiencing this as the greatest joy they can be gifted, the opportunity to play these matches, because that is what makes the difference,” replied Spalletti.

“If you are afraid, you are suffering even before anything has happened. We made too many mistakes playing the ball out from the back, too many things we could’ve done better.

“The second goal killed us, it was an easy thing to avoid. Having said that, these are my players and I will always be on their side, even if some criticism is accurate.”

Spalletti saw shocking Italy mistakes

The goal for 2-0 was particularly humiliating, because Gianluigi Donnarumma and his defenders were busy arguing over the previous possibilità, turned their backs and did not realise Joshua Kimmich had taken the corner quickly, so Jamal Musiala tapped into an empty net from six yards.

“Every game teaches you a lesson and I think the players realise what they threw away after the two legs. Both games could’ve had very different results.

“I think words can only do so much, but conceding a goal like that will stick in their minds and make them realise we’re not just saying things to nag them, there is a reason behind it. I doubt they will make the same mistake again.”

Spalletti was asked which is the real Italy, the one seen in the first half or in the second?

“It’s always somewhere in between. The truth is, we need to sort a few things out and find some balance.

“It is also true that perhaps I made a mistake in picking the starting line-up. The idea was to hold out and then do everything we did in the second half, but it all fell apart in that first half. We didn’t keep the ball, didn’t manage to create any kind of momentum to at least lessen the pressure.

“When we got into the locker room at half-time, I made them realise just how embarrassing this was for them, and they reacted like professionals.

“I could’ve maybe picked a couple of different players, but I’m convinced it would’ve been a similar outcome anyway.”

Considering the performances over the two legs, did Italy deserve to push this tie to extra time?

“I think we did deserve that, but we allowed two or three goals that simply do not belong at this level,” continued Spalletti.

“When we lower our concentration levels to that incredible degree, it’s something the other team can take advantage of.”

This exit in the quarter-final means that Italy will begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on June 6 away to Norway, followed by games against Israel, Moldova and Estonia.

Considering Francesco Acerbi’s primato of neutralising Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland, could the Inter veteran be called up?

“In my view, Bastoni and Calafiori have similar qualities. I agree Acerbi is doing very well, but I believe in my players and want to continue like this,” replied Spalletti.

“If we’re saying that, then I could call Davide Zappacosta between Matteo Ruggeri and Raoul Bellanova too. I think these players deserve to be here and I will continue to defend them.

“Having said that, if I realise that someone suffers the tension of this level and it can be decisive, then unfortunately I have to look elsewhere and seek others.

“I trust Bastoni, Calafiori, Buongiorno and Di Lorenzo, so will continue to focus on them. But thank you for the advice…”

Considering that Daniel Maldini was taken off at half-time after a disappointing performance in his first Italy start, it is possible Spalletti was referring to the Atalanta player, who has never even played in Europe at club level.

At least in the absence of injured Mateo Retegui, there was a positive response from brace hero Kean.

“We have found a fighter, someone who manages to hold up the ball and is fast too. He has courage, character, decent technique and can run from deep.

“After that first half, we needed double the character and self-esteem to fight back like that. These lads showed some very interesting mental strength,” added Spalletti.