TMW exclusive
“I expect a tactically organized Italy, Spalletti has created a solid group. He is a great coach and you can see his hand. On an individual level, Italy is not superior to Croatia, there is not much difference. But the group created by the Italian coach is very compact.” So a TuttoMercatoWeb.com Marko Naletilicagent of Atalanta’s Croatian midfielder, Mario Pasalic.
What Croatia should we expect?
“We have Perisic who is a little understaffed due to the injuries he has suffered but after Modric he is the most important player in the national team. But he is a champion with great character, he has a lot of determination. And obviously there is Pasalic who is now a certainty. At the moment there is a generational change in Croatia. And there are lesser-known talented young people.”
For example?
“Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb and Sucic from Salzburg who could start and is someone who has important shots, he is very talented”.
How will it end tonight?
“The approach will be important. The one who makes the fewest mistakes will win.”
Pasalic and the future: will he still be at Atalanta?
“He still has one year left on his contract with Atalanta, he is very happy, he feels good and he can’t wait to play in the Super Cup against Real Madrid too.”
Have you already taken concrete steps for the renewal?
“Yes. We are in negotiations with Atalanta. We have an excellent relationship with the company and I believe it will be an elegant negotiation. I don’t think there will be any problems. Many like the boy, but at Atalanta he is very happy and everyone loves him. Atalanta is absolutely ahead. I believe that the story will continue for a long time without problems.”
