The first victory as Italy’s national football coach was a relief for Luciano Spalletti.
“I feel like I’m in paradise, all wrapped in blue, and I’m very happy with the players’ performance,” said Spalletti after the European soccer champions’ 2-1 (2-1) win against Ukraine: “The team is good Played football and was really into the game.”
Spalletti, successor to Roberto Mancini, who moved to Saudi Arabia, suffered a disappointing 1-1 (0-0) against North Macedonia on his debut. After the success against Ukraine, his team is now back on track towards the 2024 European Championship in Germany.
Italy’s press celebrates first victory under Spalletti: We’re still alive!”
Seven points mean second place in qualifying group C. England (13) is ahead, the Squadra Azzurra is engaged in a three-way battle with Ukraine and North Macedonia (both seven).
Italy’s press was happy with the new national coach and also had reason to be confident. “Italy is laughing again. Spalletti has given the Azzurri a new identity in just a few days,” wrote the “Gazzetta dello Sport”.
“We’re still alive! Italy showed tactics, speed and good player form at the San Siro,” commented the “Corriere dello Sport”.