Physical tests, technical-tactical training and Champions barbecue in the program of the second blue day in Coverciano. Every detail can move the needle, now that Spalletti has to identify the three (four with Gatti) to leave at home before flying to Germany. According to the coach, the choice is “the most difficult and painful thing to do. At this age I get a little emotional…”.
by Lorenzo on leave
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In the morning the Azzurri underwent athletic and medical tests to monitor their condition and best dose their workloads. In the afternoon, behind closed doors, training. In the first part, the national team was divided into groups for football, tennis matches and exercises on a small pitch. In the second, technical-tactical work with the collaboration of around twenty boys from the 2006 and 2007 youth teams of Empoli. Finally, a practice match like Monday. Di Lorenzo did not participate and, after the morning’s activity, was authorized to leave the retreat for a family commitment.
inevitable cuts
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Di Lorenzo is not one of those interested in the Coverciano trials: Spalletti knows him by heart. However, the list must be reduced by three or four elements to reach the 26 requested by UEFA (indeed, granted to the federations which, like Italy, have asked to increase the original contingent of 23). At the moment there are 30 Azzurri, including Gatti who took the place of the injured Acerbi but remained working in Turin, a sign that his position is the most in the balance, also because, as the coach explained, there are plenty of defenders they are in abundance. Another exclusion will arise from the ballot between goalkeepers, suspects Meret and Provedel.
two places at stake
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There remain two names to choose from a list that should include Bellanova, Orsolini, Zaccagni, El Shaarawy, Ricci and Folorunsho. From the words of the coach it seems that the Veronese has a good chance of staying like, on the other hand, Fagioli who has unique characteristics in the group. And the others? It will also depend on the tactical choices and the consequent needs to be addressed. There are many wingers: Bellanova can also play high and break up the end of the game with his run; El Shaarawy is the most tactical; Zaccagni the most technical; Orsolini is generous with a goal instinct. And then there’s Ricci who has weight and geometry in the middle: he could be very useful in the new midfield. The feeling is that the race is still very open.
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barbecue and champions
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At the end of training, a quick shower for the Azzurri awaiting an outdoor barbecue in the Federal Center with TV to follow Real Madrid-Borussia. Meanwhile, half an hour by train from here, in Bologna, anticipation is growing for Tuesday’s friendly match with Turkey. 15 thousand tickets have already been sold. The date, June 4, is the same as 2021 when the Azzurri defeated the Czech Republic 4-0 before the European Championship. Before kick-off, the two captains will exchange the “Pelota de Trapo”, the “ball of rags”, symbol of the educational project promoted worldwide by the Pontifical Scholas Occurrentes Foundation.
