Italy coach Luciano Spalletti hit back at criticism and appeared emotional after his side drew with Croatia. Italy qualified for the last 16 as group runners-up thanks to a 98th-minute goal by Lazio winger Mattia Zaccagni, with Spain topping the group and Croatia facing elimination.
The Azzurri had a rocky start to their European Championship campaign, narrowly beating Albania 2-1 in their opening game before losing 0-1 to Spain in their second match, making their path to the knockout stage particularly difficult.
Spalletti told reporters after the game: “Everyone wants to leave us out, but if I was scared I wouldn’t be doing this job. Fear is useless, I try to avoid unnecessary anxiety, and I don’t want to carry the weight of what others impose on me. If the malice exists, I prefer to face it myself, not through other means.”
Spalletti also lashed out at a player who may have leaked tactical information to the media, as news of Italy’s 3-5-2 formation had been circulating before the game.
“This is the weakness of those who leak secrets,” he said angrily. “If there is a leak, it’s detrimental to the national team, who told you?”
While crediting his team for deserving qualification, Spalletti also pointed out shortcomings, particularly in the first half, where Italy seemed content with a draw before Croatia’s midfield maestro Luka Modric scored. The 38-year-old became the oldest scorer in this tournament. “We deserved to go through tonight but we didn’t play our best, we were a little weak at times,” said the 65-year-old Spalletti. “Mentally, when you think a draw is acceptable, the game often takes on this form. You go onto the field content with a draw and you end up being conservative – we gave them opportunities and were too careful, I don’t understand why.”
Italy face Switzerland in the last 16 in Berlin on Saturday June 29. Croatia’s chances of qualification are slim and depend on other results.
Spalletti added that his players were also feeling enormous pressure from the media and fans. “This group was not easy to get through, I didn’t say it was a ‘group of death’, but Spain and Croatia were very strong… When we are below par, as happened at times in the first half, it’s because we feel the pressure of important games.”
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