“We must face the next match as a crossroads, Italy is very competitive. If I were the coach I would go to bed with my head like a drumknowing that there are 26 players and that everyone can play.” – he said Morata to Marca’s microphones. The Roja striker presented the challenge against the Azzurri, who he has faced several times in recent years. Spalletti’s national team could already secure a pass for the round of 16 (here are the combinations) and the Atletico Madrid striker has put his teammates at attention.
Spain-Italy, Morata’s statements
“Before the draw I knew we would face Italy. I met them in all the European Championships and they eliminated me both times, unfortunately.” Morata he then continued talking about the generational change of La Roja: “In the first quarter of an hour against Croatia we saw the Spain we have known all our lives. Subsequently we proposed a different game, with a more direct game. For other teams we are quite unpredictable. If I were the coach I would go to bed with my head like a drum, knowing that there are 26 players and that they can all play. I imagine the Italy coach is wondering: ‘how will these guys play against me? With a false 9, with the wingers playing inside and combining? With those who attack you from behind?’ We can change the way we play multiple times. Plus we press very high.” Then he concluded with a joke: Who will my wife support (Alice Campello ed.)? Obviously for Spain. It’s not an easy situation, that’s why they won’t come, to avoid possible problems. She and my children are very respected in my country.”
Spain, Laporte’s conditions
Good news for Spain is the recovery of Laporte, who missed his European Championship debut against Croatia due to an adductor contracture. The coach De La Fuente he shouldn’t risk it from the first minute and he will take him to the bench. The Al-Nassr defender will be monitored daily and could make his contribution from the round of 16, which for La Roja seems almost a formality, barring sensational twists.
