Italy must be meaner against Spain, Luciano Spalletti says ahead of Euro 2024 blockbuster

DORTMUND – Italy must be meaner and more direct when they face Spain, though they may get more attacking opportunities, coach Luciano Spalletti said after his side’s 2-1 win over Albania at Euro 2024 on June 15.

Having conceded inside 23 seconds, defending champions Italy

were ahead after 16 minutes

and limited Albania to very few chances in their Group B clash until a frantic finish as their opponents pushed for an unlikely equaliser.

Tens of thousands of raucous, red-shirted Albania fans had the Westfalenstadion rocking when Nedim Bajrami blasted home from an angle, capitalising on a rash throw-in by defender Federico Dimarco.

The goal smashed the previous record held by Russia’s Dmitri Kirichenko who scored the fastest Euro goal after 67 seconds against Greece in 2004.

Amid the din, however, Italy held their nerves and equalised in the 11th minute through Alessandro Bastoni, who headed home when a short corner was swung in to the far post by Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Nicolo Barella put the Azzurri in front five minutes later when he slammed home from outside the box.

Spalletti said his team had shown character to recover from the early deficit and displayed a togetherness that will serve Italy well if they progress beyond the group stage.

“We switched off but we need to appreciate the desire to try and go and play football even when the going got tough,” he said.

Spalletti, who appeared frustrated during the second half, was clear Italy needed to improve, not least on June 20 against Spain, who

blew away Croatia 3-0

earlier on June 15.

“There are a number of things we still have to improve because we thought we were better than we were in too many situations,” he said.

“We need to be meaner, neat and tidy in the way we build things up, you free up a man but then you need to go and hurt the opposition... we thought we were brilliant at just keeping possession.”

But Spalletti, leading the Italian side at a major tournament for the first time, suggested Spain's strengths could also play into Italy's hands.

“We need to move the ball a bit more quickly, but against Spain there will probably be (chances) to play the ball forward more,” he said. “Because they tend to be more aggressive in their bite and press, there might be greater scope to actually play in behind their defensive line.”

Meanwhile, Albania coach Sylvinho said his players had felt the tension as the national team embarked on only their second major tournament.

“It wasn’t easy for us,” the former Brazil fullback told Sky Sports. “We have young players and there was some nervousness. Italy are a strong side and we were in a battle with them. The lads did well.” REUTERS