Interviews

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti praises Roma’s Bryan Cristante

Andy Mattioli
FLORENCE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach of Italy Luciano Spalletti speaks with the media during Italy the press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on September 02, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Newly appointed Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti held his introductory press conference earlier today.

In his first media appearance as Italy’s new manager, Spalletti discussed with the media his vision for the national team.

More specifically, the former Roma boss was asked about Italy’s midfield and the much needed ‘regista’ in the absence of the likes of Verratti and Jorginho.

“One leader is not enough. When you wear this shirt you have to have the posture of someone understands the responsibility of the task at hand. A leader alone is not enough but it is clear that there will be players with more experience than others. We will have to rely on them.”

“With regards to the regista role I say that I have more than one at my disposal,” Spalletti added. “The regista can have different characteristics, he can be technically refined or more physical. We have players like that in the team, such as Locatelli and Cristante,” he said, referring to Juve’s Christian Locatelli and Roma’s Bryan Cristante.”

“Locatelli is a playmaker at Juventus… Cristante, for example, is doing it splendidly and has that physicality that can help you unlock a match. He can be very helpful to his teammates in the midfield. Now physicality has become a fundamental aspect of football.”

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