Spalletti drops hint on Italy tactics against Germany | OneFootball

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti hints that the Azzurri will use just one centre-forward in their upcoming Nations League game against Germany and highlights an ‘underrated’ factor.

Italy will face Germany in the Nations League quarter-finals in March. It’s a relevant match for the World Cup qualifiers as well as Italy and Germany’s groups depend on whether they can qualify for the Nations League semis.

Spalletti said top Serie A scorers Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean can play together, but only in certain types of games.

“If you’re playing a 3-5-2 against a low-block team that sits deep, breaking them down is harder, and you’re more dangerous with two penalty-box strikers,” Spalletti told Gazzetta.

“Let me use some names to illustrate: wing-backs like Dimarco and Cambiaso differ from Kvaratskhelia and Politano, who play closer to the touchline and beat defenders one-on-one to create chances.

Spalletti drops hint on Italy tactics against Germany

Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, interacts with Mateo Retegui of Italy after the team’s defeat in the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Spain and Italy at Arena AufSchalke on June 20, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

“If your wide players are more about covering ground rather than dribbling past opponents, you rely more on crosses, so having two central strikers like Retegui and Kean helps occupy the box better. Sometimes, one isn’t enough to finish off chances. In that context, they can definitely play together.”

Germany, however, are not expected to play with a low block against the Azzurri.

“Exactly, far from it,” confirmed Spalletti.

“They will press us aggressively. So Retegui and Kean together are more of a weapon for later in the game. With five substitutions available, there’s more room to adjust mid-match, and this factor is still underrated. The idea of starters and substitutes is more fluid now. Am I exaggerating? Sometimes, it’s almost better to have your ‘starter’ come on for the last 30 minutes.”

“In the past, before games like these, we used to hope for one reliable centre-forward. In March, at least as of now, we can say that we arrive with the confidence of the team, the public, and the fans in having two strikers who are proving themselves. And they feel that confidence too.”