Italy coach Luciano Spalletti says Inter and Bologna are the Serie A teams he has enjoyed the most this season and explains why Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid deserved to be ‘lucky’ against Bayern Munich.
Spalletti released an interview with Il Corriere della Sera, talking about the upcoming Euros and offering his view on the Serie A campaign that is coming to an end.
The Azzurri CT was asked which Serie A sides he has enjoyed the most this season.
Spalletti reveals Serie A teams he’s enjoyed the most this season
“Aside from Inter, who deservedly won the title, Bologna. They bring me back to Napoli,” he said.
“Great football and you can breathe friendship and brotherhood in the group. That’s a way to win too.”
Spalletti has recently visited Thiago Motta’s Bologna at Casteldebole.
We had a very special guest in Casteldebole this morning! 💙#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/pKhmat6WHQ
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) May 8, 2024
Spalletti also visited Milan earlier this season so he was asked his thoughts on Stefano Pioli’s work and whether Milan should really part ways with the 58-year-old.
“Pioli is an excellent coach and a man with great human qualities,” argued Spalletti.
“He has done well in Milan over the past three years, but I won’t be involved in internal dynamics.”
The Parma-born coach could be appointed by Napoli this summer. The Partenopei have changed three coaches this season, after winning their first Serie A title in 33 years under Spalletti in the previous campaign.
“Generally, you don’t even change three coaches in five years,” said the CT.
“How can you absorb so many different things from men with different methods and characters? Sometimes players must be comforted and convinced to be strong. It doesn’t take much to demotivate them. Young players like Zirkzee and Kvara, for example, must be defended and supported every day.”
Is he still convinced of including Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Giacomo Raspadori and Alex Meret in the Italy squad for Euro 2024?
“I assess the whole season, not just the last few months,” Spalletti argued.
Spalletti on why Ancelotti deserves to be ‘lucky’
How important is luck in football?
“A lot, but you have it if you deserve it,” the Italian CT replied.
“Real Madrid in the Champions League Final proves it. Carlo [Ancelotti] was lucky against Bayern; there were some referee errors, but it doesn’t take anything away from the victory. They always believed in it.”
In the end, Spalletti sent a sweet message to his family.
“Without my mum and my wife, I’d have gone nowhere,” he said.
“I’ve lost my brother, who was a rock, and my father, Carlo, even stronger, so nothing else can hurt me.”