Napoli, Spinazzola: Conte revived me, time to end failures | OneFootball

Leonardo Spinazzola talks about his rebirth at Napoli thanks to Antonio Conte and the new enthusiasm with the national team under Gattuso. “Physically I’m getting back to the top, we want to bring Italy back to the World Cup.”

Napoli, Spinazzola: “Conte got me back in shape, like in the days with Gasp. With Gattuso there’s a great atmosphere, now enough with failures”

Leonardo Spinazzola, a wing-back for Napoli and the Italian national team, has spoken again about his growth path after the serious Achilles tendon injury. Interviewed by La Domenica Sportiva on Rai 2, the player explained how he regained confidence, form, and peace of mind thanks to working with Antonio Conte.

“I’ve changed, I no longer have the explosiveness I used to, but I’ve grown mentally and tactically. I worked with professionals who helped me a lot, and my family also played a fundamental role. I’m happy with the man and the player I’ve become,” Spinazzola said.

The Azzurri wide man, now a fixture in Conte’s system, then praised his coach: “Conte got me back in shape, like in the days with Gasperini. I owe him a lot; he raised my physical and mental level.”

A sentence that sums up the rebirth of a footballer who, after months of difficulties, has rediscovered the spark that made him stand out with Roma and the national team during Euro 2020.

“Gattuso has created a great atmosphere in the national team”

Spinazzola then spoke about his return to the Azzurri, highlighting the decisive role of head coach Gennaro Gattuso, who strongly wanted him in the national team’s new era.

“Gattuso had called me before the first training camp, telling me he could see me and that the door was open. The call-up? It was actually a very short phone call, few words: ‘Leo, we need you.’ My answer was: ‘Of course, coach, no question!’ and the call ended,” he recounted with a smile.

Then a deeper thought on the current Azzurri group: “Until a few years ago there were Bonucci and Chiellini, great men who had won and lost, with huge experience. Today there are many young players, but also guys who play for clubs used to reaching Champions League and Europa League finals. That makes the difference.”

Finally, the strongest message: “From what I’ve seen this week there’s a great atmosphere. Gattuso has been excellent in creating calm and confidence. We know we’re strong and we can make our mark. The failures have to end here: we need to get back to playing at the World Cup.”

The return to the top after the injury

Spinazzola had to rebuild his body and confidence after a long layoff. The Achilles tendon injury had cast doubt on his career, but today the Umbrian wide man is back among the standouts in the league and the national team.

The credit, as he himself acknowledges, goes to daily work and determination in overcoming limits. “I’m happy with the man and the player I’ve become,” he reiterated.

Conte, who had already appreciated him in Gasperini’s Atalanta days, has given him back tactical centrality and athletic condition, once again showing his ability to rejuvenate players.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.