Lazio stalwart Ciro Immobile has opened up about his emotions after new Italy manager Luciano Spalletti named him the Azzurri captain. Spalletti’s regime gets underway on Saturday evening when his men take on North Macedonia in a high-stakes Euro 2024 qualifier.
Immobile will lead the line with the captain’s armband after taking over from long-serving skipper Leonardo Bonucci. Despite often failing to translate his superb club form to the international level, the 33-year-old has earned high esteem from the new Italy manager.
Spalletti’s decision to hand Immobile such a prominent role could be his attempt to galvanize the striker’s performances for the Italy national team. Last season’s Scudetto-winning manager won’t have to wait long to see the results of his choice.
Seeking revenge for a heartbreaking 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff exit, Italy will look to settle the score with North Macedonia tonight. After a mixed two-game start to their Group C adventure, Immobile & Co cannot afford a slip-up in Skopje.
In the build-up to the match, Immobile spoke to the press, explaining his feelings after embracing a new role at the national team.
“It is a huge pride for me and my family. When you start playing football, and you want to do this job, wearing the national team shirt is an incredible achievement, very exciting to tell your grandchildren about, being able to do it with a captain’s armband is even more so,” the new Italy captain said, as relayed by La Lazio Siamo Noi.
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