Luciano Spalletti says Italy’s players were “distraught” after Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo’s “traumatic” departure from the squad amid reports they are part of an investigation into illegal betting.
Newcastle midfielder Tonali and on-loan Aston Villa forward Zaniolo withdrew from the squad last week, meaning they will miss Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier with England at Wembley, after it emerged they were being investigated by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Spalletti revealed the dramatic manner of the pair’s removal from Italy’s training camp, saying: “It was traumatic for the team because we had the authorities almost in the dressing room and so everyone was surprised and upset.
“We had almost a whole day when we said goodbye to them and we were able to give them a hug before they went home.
“The players themselves were absolutely distraught because when you’re part of a national team everyone is very tight and after the results you can get it’s the one thing you can keep for life, the lasting relationships.”
The Italian Football Federation said at the time the decision to remove the players from the squad was taken because they were “not in the necessary condition” to be involved as well as “for their protection”. The FIGC did not specify the nature of the investigation.
Spalletti emphasised the squad’s support for 23-year old Tonali and 24-year old Zaniolo, who is on loan at Villa from Galatasaray.
“Gambling is a form of temptation,” he said at a press conference. “It’s a vice and these things happen and we are committed to speaking to these players.
“We will continue to keep an eye on them and we’ll try to provide them with all the help and support that we can to make sure they can go back to do what they enjoy the most.”
Tuesday’s game will be a repeat of the Euro 2020 final, which Italy won on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
And Spalletti wants his team to use that game as inspiration.
He said: “I think England are a top-class side and they are one of the best in the world. That’s why we need to be doubly good when it comes to staying tight as a team.
“We want to be inspired by that game (the Euro 2020 final). We want to make that part and parcel of our history and to make it our identity and we have the opportunity tomorrow.”
USWNT goalkeeper Naeher to retire from international football
United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is to retire from international football next month.
Naeher has won 113 caps for the USWNT and was a regular between the sticks during their most recent World Cup-winning campaign in 2019, also starting for Emma Hayes' Olympic Gold medallists in Paris earlier this year.
The 36-year-old, who has represented the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL since 2016, will link up with Hayes' side for their upcoming friendlies against England and the Netherlands, but that will be the final camp she attends.
Naeher said in a statement posted to her Instagram account: "With immense gratitude and very thoughtful consideration, I have decided to retire from the international game.
"Having the opportunity to be a part of the USWNT for the past 15 years has been the greatest honour.
"This has been a special team to be a part of and I am beyond proud of what we have achieved both on and off the field. The memories I have made over the years will last me a lifetime.
"I know one chapter is ending, but I am so excited to continue to see the growth of this team going forward and what more they can accomplish."
Hope Solo (202) and Briana Scurry (175) are the only goalkeepers to make more appearances for the team than Naeher, who made her debut versus Argentina in December 2014.
Mbappe position switch works wonders for Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti was satisfied his tactical decision to switch Kylian Mbappe's position in attack paid off in Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Leganes.
Mbappe scored his seventh goal of the season to help Madrid to a comfortable victory in LaLiga on Sunday.
However, his position in Madrid's front line has been a topic of debate since he joined the Spanish champions, with Mbappe having often played out wide while at Paris Saint-Germain.
And Ancelotti elected to switch Mbappe out to the left flank against Leganes, with Vinicius Junior spearheading Los Blancos' attack.
"Mbappe played on the left side, where he did well, and Vinicius on the inside," Ancelotti told reporters.
"We have to highlight their play to open the scoring. They did very, very well. Mbappe scored, after a fantastic assist from Vinicius. Little by little, they're both improving.
"Kylian is more used to playing there and today, for the team and for him, it was the best thing.
"Because playing on the outside brings more effort and Vinicius was back on Thursday. Meanwhile, Kylian had been training here for a week and a half, he was fresher."
Mbappe was not called up by France coach Didier Deschamps for this month's Nations League games, despite being Les Bleus' captain.
With an injury crisis at the back and a trip to Anfield to face Premier League and Champions League leaders Liverpool coming up, Ancelotti added he was hopeful of Lucas Vazquez, who has a hamstring strain, and Aurelien Tchouameni, who is recovering from a sprained left ankle, returning to action.
He was also upbeat about the contribution of Federico Valverde, who scored from a free-kick while filling in at right-back.
"The truth is that Fede, at the back, has done very well," said Ancelotti of the Uruguayan, who also wore the captain's armband.
"He's a fantastic fullback. After Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, the best right-back in the world. His problem is that he can play at this level in many positions and is the coach's problem to choose the best position for the team.
"Let's see if Lucas and Tchouameni can recover. If not, we will make decisions."
Jude Bellingham netted Madrid's other goal as Ancelotti's team closed to within four points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, who drew 2-2 with Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Madrid also have a game in hand on Hansi Flick's side.
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