During a press conference, Italy coach Luciano Spalletti discussed various topics, including defenders Gianluigi Donnarumma and Francesco Acerbi. Here are the manager`s statements:
Is the match in Norway already a playoff?
In Norway, we`re playing for a lot in terms of whether or not we`ll participate in the World Cup, so we all know that very well. We told each other this already in yesterday`s first meeting, with Buffon present. We are going to fulfill this task that has been given to us; we are going to play for this qualification which is fundamental for us.
Regarding Donnarumma`s performance yesterday…
He showed yesterday that he is the strongest. Excellent and magnificent for the saves seen in Munich, but he has also made them in the league. Having players and champions of this level gives us strength; others have also won.
Did you set aside your broader project for this particular match?
There`s a clarification to be made: Acerbi did not respond to the call-up.
Was it due to a physical issue?
No, he reconsidered what happened around him. I had called him up based on what he`s shown recently. It`s true that at the end of the season, we all arrive a bit breathless; making these call-ups wasn`t easy, but we have to put many things together… Even if I`ve brought 23, there are still 30 players who are part of the national team. Calafiori and Buongiorno aren`t here; we were also monitoring Leoni, but he`s not at his best. I was sorry not to call up Mandragora, Cristante, and Mancini; they are doing very well. But we keep them in mind because if we`re missing a piece, we`ll replace it. We had decided to have a fairly restricted group, so those 7-8 players not included in these 23 haven`t been forgotten. Otherwise, I`d call up 33 every time… But based on what`s been seen, it`s good to make certain players understand that we count on them. The intention was to believe in emerging players. Then one must acknowledge the reactions of recent days.
Will you replace Acerbi?
For the moment, no, we won`t replace him. However, we still need to calmly and serenely look into everything further.
Had you spoken to him before calling him up? Did he tell you he wasn`t coming? Did it seem like a controversial `no` to you?
What matters to me is getting ready to play. It`s clear that with someone like Acerbi, I had spoken before; there were messages and calls. But I don`t want to dwell on anything; I want to focus on what I need to do. This morning, he told me via message that he wouldn`t participate; I responded, and then I spoke to him on the phone, and we move forward. There are many deserving players.