Spalletti Seeks Innovative Strategy Ahead of Germany Second Leg

Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti has urged his squad to produce something remarkable as they gear up to reverse a first-leg deficit against Germany in their Nations League quarter-final second leg on Sunday.

The Azzurri face a daunting task at Signal Iduna Park following Germany’s comeback victory of 2-1 at San Siro in the initial match.

“We were well aware that we were up against a formidable side. Throughout my career, I’ve concealed many defeats, but I didn’t want to treat this one in that manner, as we executed our game plan,” Spalletti remarked to the media.

“We must create something different. Achieving a turnaround will demand something extraordinary, as we are starting from behind, but we need another performance akin to Thursday’s. There’s no need to strive for the impossible.”

“It’s about altering a few moments during the match and having some players step up. Tomorrow, every detail will count, especially the team effort.”

Spalletti will be without defender Riccardo Calafiori after the Arsenal player sustained a knee injury in the first leg, with Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni expected to team up with Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno.

“Bastoni will definitely play. Putting him on the wing is like placing him on his lounge at home — that’s where he thrives at Inter,” Spalletti explained.

“He is also capable of playing centrally; I’ve had discussions with him. Both he and Buongiorno are outstanding players who can also play alongside Calafiori when he returns.”