Legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi says the Azzurri must learn from their previous mistakes after qualifying for the Euro 2024.
Italy secured its place in the Euro 2024 after a goalless draw against Ukraine on Monday night. The Azzurri won the Euro 2020 but have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups.
“It ended well. We are the Euros, which is the result we wanted, but now we must not commit the errors of the past,” Sacchi told Gazzetta.
“We must not think we are phenomenons otherwise we’ll fall to the ground again.
“They gave their all and given the circumstances, this is enough for me,” added the former Azzurri coach.
“I would add that if we had lost, this group of players and this coach could not have been blamed. Luciano Spalletti has just arrived, so we must let him work. He also needs to know the environment and the footballers.”
Sacchi praised Italian players for their performance against Ukraine and especially highlighted Juventus star Federico Chiesa.
“Chiesa was selfless going up and down the flank. Giacomo Raspadori knows football more than anyone else, and each of his movements aims to enhance the team. Perhaps Nicolò Zaniolo wasn’t much involved but now we must enjoy this qualification and Spalletti will think about improving this team.”
Sacchi also warned the Azzurri that they should learn from their mistakes in recent years.
“This qualification must be the starting point. If we want to become leaders, we need to change many things and I am not talking about tactics,” he said.
“We are behind the other main national teams in Europe. Italy only have one federal centre, France has 16, and even Switzerland beats us with three.”
The former Milan manager also explained how the FIGC can improve Italian football over the next few years.
“We must look at other realities and, if possible, take inspiration. There are too many foreigners in our league who don’t leave space for young players,” Sacchi said.
“We must invest in coaches, organise specialised courses and train them. Then, they’ll choose the players and make them develop. France has managed to combine school and football and they’ve gone far. We must follow the same path.“
