Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti says he cares most about playing good football after his side got over the line against Albania at Euro 2024.
The defending champions had a nightmare start, conceding within 30 seconds and putting their qualification from Group B at immediate risk.
With Croatia and Spain the other teams competing with the Azzurri, it was a must-win game for Spalletti’s men.
And they regrouped to comeback against the Eastern Europeans, scoring through Alessandro Bastoni who found himself unmarked in the box 10 minutes after conceding.
Nicolo Barella then gave his side the lead five minutes later, striking the sweet spot and putting Italy in the driving seat.
It was a messy second half but the Italians did enough to get over the line, easing the pressure on them ahead of their two tough upcoming matches.
An opening win to celebrate 🇮🇹#EURO2024 | #ITAALB pic.twitter.com/yLWS1dNlEi
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 15, 2024
Speaking after the match, Spalletti said: “Ever since I started coaching, I’ve been told what matters is winning.
“No, what matters is playing well. In order for us to strive to win EURO 2024 we have to play good football.
“We were a bit deep in the first half, and it allowed Albania to use their physicality, to get it into the mixer.
“We have to keep faith in our style – that’s the route forward.”
Spalletti is aware of the task at hand and it will likely require another winning Italy are to top Group B.
Spain cruised past Croatia earlier in the day, scoring three times without reply.
They seem to be the toughest competition and the head coach was already thinking ahead to the match.
He added: : “Spain will probably set up differently to Albania, and squeeze us more.
”We’ll need to move the ball more quickly than we did tonight.
“Against Spain we’ll need to move the ball forwards more, and look to play balls in behind the defence.”
Italy take on Spain on June 20 in what should be an entertaining match to watch for the neutral.
