Spalletti: “Pisilli and Maldini pre-selected for next Italy squad”

Italy national team manager Luciano Spalletti has revealed his plans for upcoming squad selections ahead of Nations League matches against Belgium and Israel. Speaking at a celebratory event in Naples, Spalletti discussed his vision for the team’s future and current Serie A developments.

Spalletti announced two notable pre-selections, stating: “Young Italians can have an important future. Pisilli and Maldini are among the pre-selected players, and we are pleased that there are new forces who can aspire to contribute and lend a hand to the difficulties we will have in sorting things out after the European Championship.”

Addressing the exclusion of Chiesa and Politano from recent call-ups, Spalletti explained: “We have decided to rejuvenate the squad, but those two are of an accessible age and are in our thoughts. However, we pay attention to the way of playing, which has changed, and we have relied on other players who know how to do a bit of everything on the field. We will continue like this, with one striker, two strikers, a second striker, low build-up with five players.”

Reflecting on the current Serie A season, the coach commented: “The championship will be different from what it has been in the first few rounds; some teams still need to find balance. The open transfer market has certainly influenced this situation. Even Napoli started with a defeat and then immediately changed course.”

Spalletti also drew comparisons between the current Napoli team and the one he led to the Scudetto: “There are similarities, there’s an extra midfielder. I saw Napoli go to press the opponent strongly with very high pressure. There’s a very experienced coach who knows well the path he must take.”