Coming to EURO 2024 as champions, the Italian team performed unconvincingly. Coach Spalletti's students struggled to get through the group stage and were constantly criticized for their fighting spirit being far inferior to EURO 2020. In the play-off match against Switzerland on the evening of June 29, the lackluster play continued to be shown by the "Azure" team.
From the very first minutes, Spalletti's team showed that they were at a disadvantage. The Swiss team had up to 75% possession at times and Donnarumma's goal was constantly in a state of alarm. According to Sofascore statistics, the Swiss team had 16 shots, much more than the Italian team. Although only 4 shots were on target, the Swiss team had 2 goals thanks to Remo Freuler (minute 37) and Ruben Vargas (minute 46).
Coach Spalletti explained to Sky Sport Italia: “What can I say? The Italian team failed, they were out of the EURO, but I can only say that the team’s approach was the main reason. The players played at a very slow tempo and if you don’t keep possession, the quality of the attacks decreases. In addition, the Italian team had to struggle to cope with the speed of the Swiss.
It is true that the goal conceded early in the second half took away our confidence. Even when we had the chance to attack, the Italian team was not decisive. I made many changes to the team today but the result was not as expected. It was entirely my fault. The options I came up with could not be compared to the quality of the Swiss team."
Coach Luciano Spalletti said the Italian team was overwhelmed by the Swiss team's style of play.
At the end of the match, coach Spalletti was heavily criticized by Italian fans. EURO 2024 is the first major tournament that the 65-year-old coach has led the Italian team. However, the media of this country assessed that the early elimination could make it difficult for coach Spalletti to keep his position.
In response, coach Spalletti said: "This is the first time I have coached in a major tournament. We can do better, especially doing the same things as against Spain. However, when you face teams that pass the ball well like Switzerland, it will be difficult if you do not control the game.
The responsibility always lies with the coach when I make the main decisions. The president of the Italian Football Federation - Gravina has always been very good to me, in a professional way. Maybe we will talk and see how to solve it. The road ahead is long, the Italian team is still moving forward but we need to improve a lot. The Italian team needs more players with a fiery spirit, ready to sacrifice for the team."
Luciano Spalletti takes charge but his seat is shaking violently
On the opposite side, coach Murat Yakin and the Swiss players danced to celebrate. This is the second consecutive time they are in the EURO quarter-finals. Mr. Murat Yakin said: "When the match started, I was shocked by Italy's passive play, giving us too much space. However, the Swiss team also had an amazing performance, I never imagined this. I would like to congratulate the whole team because the players tried their best from the beginning to the end of the match.
When we were 1-0 up, I believed that if the Italian team did not change, Switzerland would continue to dominate in the second half. And the second goal came, we were overwhelmed and happy with that. This is a worthy achievement for the Swiss team. More specifically, this is the biggest victory I have ever had in my coaching career."
Coach Murat Yakin said the passive style of play of the Italian team shocked him.
Swiss captain and one of the most outstanding players of the match Granit Xhaka proudly said: "My whole family is in the stands, it's a pleasure to contribute and bring victory to the Swiss team. We have players who play in big teams and are not afraid of any opponent at EURO 2024. This is the history of the Swiss team and we want to continue writing this special story".
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-thuy-si-ngo-ngang-vi-y-da-qua-thu-dong-hlv-spalletti-nhan-loi-nhung-185240630022114993.htm
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