Spalletti reacts to Italy World Cup qualifying draw: ‘This is how strong teams are built’

Italy national team head coach Luciano Spalletti has shared his thoughts following the World Cup qualifying draw that took place on Friday, but the CT was unable to preview any of his future opponents as the Azzurri have not yet discovered which teams they will play. 

Italy’s position in the World Cup qualifiers depends on their upcoming Nations League quarter-final against Germany.

If Italy win their Nations League match against Germany, they will go into Group A in World Cup qualifying, along with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

If Italy are beaten by Germany in March, they will go into Group I along with Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova.

When asked about Italy’s potential opponents, Spalletti said: “These are estimations and we are not done, it’s quite an Italian way of reasoning. We have to honour the sport and the kids who watch us.”

The Azzurri head coach was speaking in an interview with Rai Sport shortly after the draw was completed.  

Spalletti: Germany vs Italy is ‘how strong teams are built’

Asked what Italy have learned from their relatively strong form in the Nations League over the last few months, the CT added: “The future always depends on what you get from the guys, from the youngsters. We have a tendency to trust these new talents, they have to be strong.”

Spalletti also encouraged his players to show pride and honour the national team’s tradition and history.

“We have to live up to the task that has been given to us. Wearing this jersey here, being players who carry the tricolour on their shoulders, we have to live up to our tradition and history, there is no alternative.”

Asked what it would mean to beat Germany in March, Spalletti said: “This is how strong teams are built – through victories. An Italy that beats Germany would be a stronger Italy, we must absolutely take advantage of the good things we saw during the Nations League. It is from those games that we have drawn new strength to use in future matches.

“We have to get to the qualifiers with as many victories as possible. We have to honour the Nations League. We have to take to the pitch wanting to win all our matches.”