The statements of Edy Reja, former Lazio coach, on the situation of the Biancocelesti and on Italy’s debut at Euro2024 in Germany
The heart in between Italy And Albania For Edy Reja, coach of the Balkan national team from 2019 to 2022. On Saturday he will be in Dortmund for his debut, but the support will obviously be for the Azzurri. To the microphones of Messengerthe former coach of Lazio he spoke both about the European Championships and about the situation at home for the Biancoceleste.
Has Sylvinho exploited his trail?
“He is a good manager, he plays with the 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, but he inherited a solid and formed group. It always happens like this. Even at Lazio Petkovic had the advantage of my work to then lift the Cup on 26 May. I led a generational change in Albania, the 2016 national team was in its decline, I built the team for this European Championship. And in fact ten elevenths are those chosen under my guidance“.
Should Italy fear this debut?
“Absolutely yes. Albania has a very strong character and, even technically, it’s hard to take it lightly. Many elements have matured in our championship. From Djimsiti to Ismajili, passing through Hysaj, Bajrami, Asllani. Ramadani had a great season in Lecce. They know us inside out and are even more motivated to beat us“.
Who should be the special observer?
“More than one. Asllani, and up front Broja and Manaj can always invent something. Bajrami also has a magic foot, if he’s on the day“.
And, instead, Italy’s added value?
“The coach. Spalletti has an edge. I respect him a lot because he makes every team play in a divine way. I think he already has his formation in mind, for me he will continue with the 3-4-3, despite the latest tests to test the entire material. Perhaps with Albania, he could study a tactical variant, perhaps a 4-3-1-2. He has had little time to cement this group, but he is shaping it with his belief“.
However, it has no real samples.
“They have good values, but some difficulties. And in fact Spalletti has doubts. He took advantage of the friendlies to understand who is in better condition. It’s a somewhat particular moment for Italy, there are many young people who need to emerge, but they have little experience. We are clearly working towards the future“.
Is there a risk of making an appearance in this European Championship?
“I do not know. I wish the national team the best, including reaching the final and surprising, but it will be tough. Getting past the group is already the first big obstacle. If it fuels slowly, maybe…“.
Could some different choices have been made?
“I don’t think so, then fate also became fierce. Tonali will be missed. the wingers don’t seem top-notch to be able to play the 4-3-3 like in Insigne’s time“.
Who could be the surprise?
“I say Scamacca, if he finds continuity. He is strong, he has quality and talent, but he is always a question mark, you never know the yield he will guarantee you. And like him, the other baby Buongiorno, Bellanova and so on“.
Tudor was his deputy, after three months he left Lazio.
“I knew his strong personality could become a problem. Igor has his ideas and imposes them on the locker room. There may be rejection“.
Does the capital burn many?
“Rome is a difficult place, I spoke of a rotten frame, exasperating the concept, but not too much“.
How do you see Baroni’s choice?
“He is a valid coach, he worked two miracles with Lecce and Verona. They turned teams around and he showed extraordinary skills. In my opinion he will do very well. Lotito rarely makes technical mistakes, he will make the fans think again. The groans will become applause and everything will pass“.
De Laurentiis instead relied on Conte to forget a nightmare season.
“He was good at convincing him, a great coup. And Naples will give Conte back the enthusiasm he lost in England. The Neapolitans will win again“.
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