While the transfer market is coming to life in Italy, for some Giallorossi players it’s time for the European Championships. No one called up in Spalletti’s squad, even if in the last few hours injuries have targeted the defense of the Italian national team, with the withdrawal first of Acerbi, then of Scalvini, which in any case would not open the doors to either Baschirotto or Gallo, who by now they are certain that they are not part of the shipment to Germany. They had hoped for it a little, after a season up to par. The person who will represent his national team in Germany is Marin Pongracic who has found Croatia again and is ready to defend their goal.
Goal achieved
The competition is high, but the Lecce footballer has reached a good level of physical fitness this year. A tough defender, but also elegant, he stood out both for his interventions on the attackers and for his exits with the ball at his feet. Since his retirement with his national team he has talked a bit about everything. He highlighted his season with Lecce. «My goal was to have a consistent season, find the right form. We have made an excellent journey, remaining in Serie A and this is a great success for us. I am satisfied with what has been done,” he said. «In the next few years, I aim to improve my football, especially my header. Both in the defensive and offensive phases, becoming dangerous. I also want to improve as an assist man and why not a goal man.” Pongracic arrives at the European Championships after a period of absence from the red and white checkered shirt of Croatia, «Playing meant a lot to me – he said speaking of the Egypt Internalionat Capital Cap held in March – it was a great tournament and I’m happy to have played well against Egypt, I’m satisfied. My job on the pitch allows me to lend a hand to my teammates. I hope to do it.”
On the opponents
At Euro 2024 Pongracic will play two derbies, one against Ramadani and Berisha’s Albania, the other against Italy. «Of course they are not favourites – he said speaking of the Albanian national team – but they should not be underestimated, they always put their heart into it, and manage to be dangerous. We must be ready.” Looking at Italy, he said he was very worried about a striker he knows well because he also plays in Serie A: «Scamacca is a really dangerous striker, playing against him is always complicated; he is difficult to mark because he is strong, fast and has a good shot, even from outside. Against him we need attention and solidarity to stop him.” A look to the future «I am a Lecce player and Lecce is in my present, as my contract says. I want to give everything for this shirt. Now the focus is on the European competition. It’s clear that I aim to improve, let’s see what happens in the summer. We will think about it after a holiday after the European Championships”, he concluded, making the Lecce fans tremble a bit as they have, over time, learned to appreciate his footballing skills and who, if he were to leave, would suffer a considerable backlash.
