Josep Martinez backs Italy rebuild after World Cup woes | OneFootball

Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez has backed Italy’s rebuild and discussed his Spain recall.

"Honestly, I see a lot of potential in Italy. They need to rediscover a defined playing model, but there's no lack of quality." He was speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There are several high-level Inter players and many other valid elements with them. They need to regain confidence after the disappointment of missing the World Cup; for me, it's more a mental thing than a quality issue."

Italy, the four-time world champions, missed three straight World Cup finals and are rebuilding under Roberto Mancini with a younger core.

The 28-year-old has been called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain, his first senior squad inclusion since June 2021, after Joan Garcia’s injury opened a spot alongside David Raya and Unai Simon.

Italy visit France at the Stade de France on Friday in Nations League Group A1, with Zinedine Zidane in charge of Les Bleus. A positive result in Paris could lift morale and keep knockout hopes alive.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”