In a press conference held at the Giulio Onesti Sports Center in Rome, Luciano Spalletti, the head coach of the Italian national team, addressed various topics, including the performances of AS Roma players such as De Rossi, Pellegrini, Cristante, El Shaarawy, and Mancini. Spalletti, who formerly managed AS Roma, shared his observations on his former protégés:
- De Rossi’s Impact as a Coach: Spalletti commended Daniele De Rossi’s transition to the coaching role, likening aspects of his demeanor to legendary coach Carletto Mazzone. He praised De Rossi’s ability to blend his experience as a player with his coaching acumen, acknowledging the challenge of instilling a new mentality while building upon the solid foundations laid by previous management.
- Pellegrini’s Qualities: Spalletti expressed anticipation for Lorenzo Pellegrini’s potential contribution to the national team, emphasizing his versatility, work rate, and dynamic playing style. He noted Pellegrini’s importance in both offensive and defensive phases of the game, highlighting his endurance and commitment.
- Cristante’s Absence: Spalletti clarified Bryan Cristante’s absence from the national team squad, attributing it to the midfielder’s need for intensive back treatment. He stressed the importance of collaboration between national team staff and club coaches to ensure players’ well-being and fitness.
- Mancini’s Role: Spalletti praised the adaptability of Gianluca Mancini, highlighting his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. He affirmed his confidence in Mancini’s capabilities and praised his readiness to represent the national team whenever called upon.
- El Shaarawy’s Exclusion: Spalletti explained Stephan El Shaarawy’s omission from the squad, citing his familiarity with the player’s qualities. While not elaborating further, his remarks hinted at a strategic decision based on El Shaarawy’s skill set.
Spalletti’s insights offer valuable perspectives on the contributions and potential of AS Roma players within the Italian national team setup. As preparations continue for upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador, the performances of these players will be closely monitored, with expectations high for their impact on the international stage. Stay tuned for further updates on Italian football developments.
