Interviewed by today’s edition of The Republic, Cesare Prandelli he spoke about the Italian national team. Among the topics covered was the one linked to Gianluca Scamacca, whether he can be the great center forward that the Azzurri need: “Yes he can be, we are trying to make him one. But before, the best at 18-19 years of age were already playing as starters in A. Now every action involves many touches and few crosses, the center forward always comes towards the ball. Thus he loses his innate sensitivity in the penalty area, which is rare and should be supported.
Sticks and Calafiori? It will be understood when faced with stronger attackers than Albania’s. Spalletti is forming a real team, like a club, in which everyone goes the extra mile for a teammate. And no one is indispensable. Was mine the European Championship for the group or for the talent? The phase of the 2006 champions was coming to an end and we were starting to understand that we didn’t have much behind them. But there were still Buffon, Pirlo and De Rossi, there was Cassano with his personality on the pitch. And there was Thiago Motta, who in fact arrived where he arrived.
The Kiev final? Unfortunately we hadn’t planned it logistically. We traveled much further than the Spaniards, with two less days of recovery. And if you spend your energy, moreover without real training for the final, then you pay.”
