Former Juventus and Bologna midfielder Giancarlo Marocchi feels that Matteo Politano’s omission from Italy’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024 means Luciano Spalletti will surely use a three-man defence.
Marocchi, one of the Sky Sport Italia pundits at Euro 2024, spoke about Spalletti’s call-ups in an interview with Tuttosport on Wednesday.
Italy: Player omission confirms Spalletti will use new Italy system at Euro 2024
“If I had made the team, I would have called Politano as well,” said the former midfielder.
“Of course, every coach makes decisions to build the best squad. It doesn’t have to be formed by the best players and Spalletti’s decisions have been made with this spirit. I would have also called 32 players.”
Marocchi believes Spalletti will use a three-man defence in Germany next month.
“99% yes, but I’d still keep a 1% and this is why I would have called Politano,” he insisted.
The Napoli winger “won the title with Spalletti not long ago, and with his splendid 4-3-3, Spalletti would not have needed to instruct him and Di Lorenzo on the right flank.”
Spalletti has only used a three-man defence twice in eight games in charge of Italy, the most recent matches against Venezuela and Ecuador.
The Azzurri CT has also given Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli a chance. The 23-year-old has just returned from a seven-month ban for gambling.
Marocchi on Fagioli and Spalletti’s attitude
“Technically it is understandable. On the other hand, he hasn’t played for a long time, but the tournament won’t last long,” noted Marocchi.
“Nothing else should be said. I was among the relators in Bologna during one of the latest public meetings and I found a grown guy who is aware he has to complete a journey.”
Lastly, Marocchi praised Spalletti and his attitude and hoped the CT would be able to pass on his mentality to the team.
“I hope Spalletti will be able to transmit his love for the Azzurri jersey and show what it means to play for Italy,” the ex-midfielder concluded.
Marocchi, 58, scored 20 goals in 329 appearances and won the Serie A title once with Juventus.
He made his Italy debut in December 1988 and finished his career with 11 senior-level appearances with the Azzurri.
During the same interview, Marocchi spoke about Serie A, saying that Antonio Conte’s return as the new Napoli coach would be a problem for title contenders Inter and Juventus.
