Luciano Spalletti has cautioned Italy that they ‘risk embarrassment’ without the proper mindset when facing Venezuela. However, his innovative strategies are influenced by Pep Guardiola’s approach at Manchester City.
Italy will step onto the pitch in Fort Lauderdale at 21.00 GMT on Thursday for the first of two international friendlies in the United States.
The subsequent match will occur on Sunday in New Jersey, where they will confront Ecuador.
“If we are not careful and don’t have the right attitude, we risk being embarrassed,”
“Venezuela are a very physical side, since Fernando Batista took over as coach they lost only one of their 10 games, which was 1-0 away to Argentina. They are fourth in qualifying for the World Cup. This is a very difficult match.”
Spalletti understands that Italy has a history of underperforming in friendly matches and is determined to instill a proper mindset for each game.
“Every time we set foot on that field, we must experience joy and that means taking things seriously. I feel like I am in Paradise. The Nazionale is joy for me and I am very happy to do my work with this shirt on.
“I am dedicating all my time to the Nazionale and I can guarantee the humility and effort will always be at the maximum to give joy to those who love the Azzurri, especially when we are embraced by the Italian communities around the world. We want to prove that they can trust us and we want to give them the utmost respect.”
Spalletti said that he intends to use these friendlies to experiment with something different from the 4-3-3 and went into a little more detail.
“We will play with either the 3-4-2-1 or 3-2-4-1, depending on how high the wingers will be.”
It is suggested that Guardiola’s Manchester City inspired this approach, particularly following Spalletti’s conversation about the necessity for “fluid” tactics.
He believes that this strategy will maximize the unique qualities of the Italian players, who possess a wealth of creative talent and a limited number of pure strikers.
“Federico Chiesa will have to adapt in the five channels on the pitch,” whereas at Juventus he tends to be moved more central.