Sacchi: Italy have ‘a lot of work to be done’ and sees ‘difference’ with Germany

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Joshua Kimmich of Germany has a shot saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Arrigo Sacchi saw a tactical ‘difference’ between Italy and Germany and insists the Azzurri have a ‘lot of work to be done’ besides of their latest defeat.

Italy lost 2-1 against Germany at San Siro on Thursday in the first leg of the Nations League quarter-finals.

The Azzurri took the lead in the first half with Sandro Tonali but ultimately lost the match, conceding twice in the second half.

“We didn’t come out of San Siro battered and bruised, which could have easily happened given Germany’s strength, but one thing must be clear in the minds of Italians: there is still a lot of work to be done to reach the highest levels,” Sacchi wrote in his Gazzetta dello Sport column.

“I’m not saying this because of the defeat—that would be too simple—but because I saw that the mechanisms aren’t working perfectly. The reason is that Spalletti’s players have had little time to train together, get to know each other and learn the movements that form the foundation of the style of play the coach wants to implement.

“Germany defended on the midfield line, while we defended on the edge of our penalty area; that’s the difference,” the ex-Italy coach argued.

Sacchi: Italy have ‘a lot of work to be done’ and sees ‘difference’ with Germany

“The Germans demonstrated technical quality, physical strength, and remarkable courage. The Azzurri did very well to start with their foot on the accelerator.”

Italy will visit Germany in Dortmund in the second leg this coming Sunday.

“Now, we’ll see what happens in the return match on Sunday in Dortmund, but I genuinely believe that advancing to the semifinals of the Nations League will require an extraordinary feat,” Sacchi admitted.

“I don’t know if the Azzurri are ready to achieve it, and, all things considered, it wouldn’t even be fair to ask or demand it. Spalletti’s Italy needs time and work—no one performs miracles in just a few days.

“The important thing is for people to stand by this national team, to support its growth and development without stirring up unnecessary controversies and, simultaneously, without getting overly excited when things go well. Outstanding achievements come through humility and a spirit of sacrifice. After the disappointing European Championship, I believe that the coach has done a good job in bringing Italy to compete against one of the strongest teams on the continent. His players follow him—some things need improvement, that’s clear—but the foundation of everything must be training.”

Sacchi still sees some positives for the Azzurri.

“A bit of patience is needed, mainly because the Azzurri come from a football culture that, until recently, was based primarily on defence and counterattacks,” he wrote.

“Now, however, they’ve taken a different path—and that’s a good thing because it aligns us with the rest of Europe. However, we are still a bit behind in developing this new approach.

“The two German goals exposed defensive flaws that need to be addressed. It’s not the first time we’ve conceded from a set piece, whether from a free kick or a corner. This aspect must be fixed quickly, just as we must be more attentive to crosses that rain into the heart of the penalty area from the wings.

“I liked the two central midfielders, Barella and Tonali, and I appreciated the players’ effort, never holding back—as it should be when wearing the Azzurri jersey,” Sacchi concluded.

“But I’ll say it again: the only solution now is to put our heads down and work hard. In the long run, hard work pays off, and Italy still have a lot of work to do.”