Italy manager Luciano Spalletti is urging his team to produce something extraordinary as they attempt to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Germany in the Nations League quarter-final second leg on Sunday.
The Azzurri face a daunting task at Signal Iduna Park after letting a lead slip in the first leg at San Siro, where Germany’s comeback secured a crucial away victory. Despite the setback, Spalletti remains optimistic and believes a collective effort can turn the tie around.
“We knew we were up against a strong team,” Spalletti told reporters. “In my life, I’ve hidden plenty of defeats, but I didn’t want to treat this one like that, because we did what we had to do.”
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Spalletti emphasized the need for his players to deliver a special performance while making key adjustments.
“We need to do something new. It will take something extraordinary because we’re starting from a disadvantage,” he said. “But we need another performance like Thursday’s. We don’t need to invent the impossible—just change a few moments in the game and have some individuals make a difference.”
Defensive Shake-Up
Italy will be without defender Riccardo Calafiori, who suffered a knee injury in the first leg. In his absence, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni will partner Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno in central defense.
Spalletti expressed confidence in Bastoni’s versatility and his ability to adapt to the tactical demands.
“Bastoni is playing. Putting him out wide is like putting him on his living room couch—that’s where he plays at Inter,” Spalletti joked. “He can also play centrally. I’ve spoken to him, and he and Buongiorno are excellent players who can also form a strong trio with Calafiori when he returns.”
A Collective Effort
With a place in the Nations League semi-finals on the line, Spalletti is focusing on teamwork and discipline.
“Tomorrow, everything will matter—especially the collective effort,” he insisted.
Italy will need to summon their trademark resilience and tactical intelligence if they are to overcome Germany and keep their Nations League hopes alive.
