Di Lorenzo Draws Comparison Between Italy and Spalletti’s Napoli

Italy full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo has backed the Azzurri to bounce back against Ukraine following their sub-par 1-1 draw against North Macedonia. Luciano Spalletti’s spell with the national team was enroute a satisfactory win after Ciro Immobile broke the deadlock early in the second half, however, only until Enis Bardhi emerged with the equalizer ten minutes from full-time.

Di Lorenzo teamed up with his former coach at Napoli to brief ahead of the significant clash against Serhiy Rebrov’s Ukraine.

“The spirit is the right one, naturally we are sorry for the draw the other evening, it also served as enthusiasm for this new course The team is well, we are ready to face this match tomorrow. We know that it is important for the continuation of this group.” (via TuttoNapoli)

When quizzed about the differences between Napoli and this national team, Di Lorenzo quickly dismissed any such comparison.

“Time is short but we must not look at last year’s Napoli. There are different players with different characteristics, we must not end up playing that type of football. The important thing is to follow the coach’s ideas, this is a team that wants proactive football. Time is short but in football you don’t have time and we must be ready immediately to bring this match home, victory is very important.”

Di Lorenzo also spoke about how winning the Scudetto last season helped him leaps and bounds.

“When you win something important, certainly also on a personal level, it is a great achievement, as was the European Championship. They are all successes that help to increase self-esteem and awareness, I have also matured in this aspect and feel like I have grown as a footballer after winning the Scudetto with Napoli.”

Italy’s hopes of a ticket to Germany were dented with the draw in Skopje, but they have the chance to enter the top two and replace Ukraine if they muster a confident performance at San Siro.