Luciano Spalletti quickly cut to the chase and explained his decision to exclude captain Ciro Immobile from the call-ups for the two final Euro 2024 qualifiers in the presser to kick off the preparation (via Sky).
“He’s a very important player, and we follow him with maximum attention. We watch matches and training sessions, even though I haven’t visited Lazio yet. I selected the three starters that had the best condition in my mind, even if he did well in the Champions League, scoring a great goal. I complimented him when we last spoke. Those are the criteria, and we choose the best ones depending on many factors. I look at everything.”
Spalletti addressed the new-look defense and other players.
“All hinged on the moment they are having with their clubs. There were several confirmations. For instance, Jorginho had missed out because didn’t play much in September and October. However, he always showed his desire to be part of the group. We talked over the phone and expressed his intention to wear this jersey. He has been a regular and is doing better. He resumed being a team player, the maestro that leads the way and captained Arsenal. There were several positive signals.”
Spalletti kept things close to the vest about the lineups. He stated that Manuel Locatelli was unavailable, while Andrea Cambiaso and Bryan Cristante were dinged up.
“Winning the first game would give us an advantage ahead of the second one. There could be some evaluations, but I won’t put together one XI already thinking about the other.”
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