June 21 – Italy manager Luciano Spalletti admitted that his side were outplayed by Spain in a 1-0 defeat, but said that the humbling reality check must prompt his side to improve.
Italy were schooled by La Roja, who retained 58% of possession but played with a directness and ferocity that they failed to produce in the latter years of the Tiki-Taka era.
Spalletti (pictured) and his team struggled to be meaningful on the ball and so the main heavyweight clash of the first round never was competitive. Spain were on a different level altogether.
“They caused us problems beyond what the scoreline suggests and we can’t beat around the bush on that,” said Spalletti. “There was too much of a gulf in terms of sharpness and freshness.”
“If some players are not in the game at all, Spain can control the game comfortably, it was very clear that some players were not at their peak tonight, but when playing the game we were very slow in reacting. The substitutes pressed at the end and we had more opportunities.”
Italy had just a single attempt on target and never came close to scoring, even if they sought to steal a draw at the very end. As a result, Spain progressed to the round of 16 with a game to spare while Italy will still need a result from their final group game against Croatia.
Spalletti’s team are the defending champions, but the Italian manager confessed that he admires how Luis de la Fuente has got his team playing.
“Everyone would love to copy Spain,” said Spalletti.
“They have played the best football for the longest time. I need to make my players aware of how important this match is because it becomes very challenging if you just sit deep. You have to overhaul the concept and mentality of the team and just chase after the ball and cede it to them.
“But I don’t want to play like that. I don’t know how to coach how to do that. I’m the least-suited person to do that so you need to play the ball and keep possession. And try to get hold of the game and take it by the scruff of the neck. That’s the only way.”
De La Fuente had nothing but praise for his players and declared that the impressive victories against both Italy and Croatia might just be the beginning of Spain’s campaign.
He explained: “We have room to improve, I’m not aware of the ceiling we have, the sky is the limit, the players don’t get tired, they’re ready to do whatever we ask of them, I’m sure they’ll keep working until they achieve their dream.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734786286labto1734786286ofdlr1734786286owedi1734786286sni@i1734786286tnuk.1734786286ardni1734786286mas1734786286