The Italian national team coach, Luciano Spalletti, assessed that his team’s performance against Venezuela still had many shortcomings. However, apart from that, he also praised the great performance shown by Mateo Retegui.
Gli Azzurri succeeded in achieving a narrow victory when they met a team from South America in a friendly match. Playing at Chase Stadium, Florida, Friday (22/3/2024) early morning WIB, Italy won 2-1.
Italy has to thank the two goals scored by Retegui in each half. Then, Venezuela was only able to respond through Darwin Machis after taking advantage of a blunder from Giacomo Bonaventura.
Following this result, Gianluigi Donnarumma and colleagues will meet Ecuador on Sunday in another friendly in Harrison, New Jersey, while Venezuela will face Guatemala in Houston.
For the first time in his coaching tenure, Spalletti started with a 3-4-2-1 system, but switched to the classic 4-3-3 formation in the final 15 minutes, as Italy appeared more convincing and created more chances to score.
“I think we did some good things, but sometimes we were soft,” Spalletti said.
“When we make mistakes like the ones that resulted in penalty kicks, talking about system is useless. Our performance was good with three at the back and a 4-3-3 formation.”
Donnarumma was as impressive in this match as Retegui when he saved a penalty kick in the third minute and made a brilliant save in the second half to deny Jhonder Cadi.
So, is it not a coincidence that Italy appeared more convincing in the final 15 minutes with four defenders?
“Nothing we do is a coincidence to the way we work. We work to give direction and ideas to the team,” answered the coach.
“Of course, in terms of strength and physical impact, we have to give something more because sometimes we are shallow.
“Regardless of the system. First of all, we have to fix this. This is the starting point. Then we can talk about other things.”
Genoa star, Retegui, has now scored four goals in five appearances for the Italian national team. Spalletti acknowledged the quality of this player who has Argentinian blood.
“Whoever scores the goal always gives something more than the other,” said Spalletti.
“He helps the team by holding the ball, he’s strong with headers, he’s a physical player. He does what he’s supposed to do.”
