Luciano Spalletti’s preparations for the 2024 European Championship have just begun, but Italy can’t catch a break. After an injury forced Inter veteran Francesco Acerbi to withdraw from the national team, Gli Azzurri’s morale has suffered another blow.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Italy granted Giovanni Di Lorenzo permission to leave the training camp for personal reasons on Saturday. The Napoli skipper took part in the morning session before being allowed to depart, ensuring he could attend to his family matters.
Unlike Acerbi, Di Lorenzo should rejoin the Italy squad soon. He’ll likely be back today to put himself at Spalletti’s disposal. Recently linked with a shocking Napoli departure, the right-back should occupy a prominent role in Germany despite enduring a rough Serie A season.
With Italy already testing out two different formations, it’s a near-certainty that Di Lorenzo will be a starter in each set-up. Spalletti wanted to try out a 4-2-3-1 before switching to a 3-4-2-1. Both systems suit the 30-year-old’s skills, especially the former.
At Napoli, Di Lorenzo has fared well in a four-man backline, but his attacking characteristics would allow him to fit into the other set-up swimmingly. The only question is whether he’ll be mentally prepared for the tournament, given the circumstances.
Italy head into Euro 2024 as the reigning champions after toppling England in the 2021 Wembley final. After lifting the Scudetto with Napoli, Spalletti will hope to inspire Gli Azzurri to their third continental title. In doing so, they’d become the second nation to defend the crown after Spain.
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