In a rollercoaster match filled with highs and lows, Italy's head coach Luciano Spalletti acknowledged that he might have made mistakes with the starting lineup during the wild 3-3 draw with Germany, a match that ultimately saw the Azzurri eliminated from the Nations League quarter-finals with a 5-4 aggregate score.

Entering the match after a disappointing 2-1 loss at home in the first leg, Italy faced an uphill battle, falling behind 3-0 by halftime in Dortmund. However, a remarkable second-half performance led by Moise Kean's two goals and a late penalty by Giacomo Raspadori brought the score to 3-3. Despite the spirited comeback, it wasn’t enough to overturn the aggregate deficit.

Following the action, Spalletti was confronted with the pressing question of how his team could perform so poorly in the first half. "It’s difficult to see players not embracing the joy of playing in these matches," he stated. "If they play with fear, they suffer even before the match truly begins."

The coach expressed disappointment over the lack of concentration and the mistakes made during crucial moments, particularly in the buildup to Germany's second goal, where miscommunication led to an easy tap-in for Jamal Musiala following a quick corner taken by Joshua Kimmich. Spalletti emphasized that these instances serve as critical lessons for the squad, stating, "Conceding goals like that will stick in their minds."

When asked about the identity of the "real" Italy, Spalletti mused that the truth lies somewhere in between the team's shaky first-half performance and their much-improved second half. He accepted some responsibility for the lineup choices, clarifying, "The plan was to be solid at the back and then unleash our attack later, but it collapsed."

The coach noted that while Italy deserved the chance to take the match to extra time based on their overall performance, they allowed mistakes to cost them. "These errors do not belong at this level," Spalletti lamented, acknowledging that such lapses in concentration can be ruthlessly exploited by their opponents.

Italy's exit from the Nations League means they will begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on June 6 against Norway, followed by matches against Israel, Moldova, and Estonia. As discussions around player selections heat up, observers speculate about the inclusion of experienced defender Francesco Acerbi, known for his ability to neutralize top strikers.

Spalletti, however, remains committed to fostering young talent and indicated that players like Alessandro Bastoni and Caleb Calafiori possess similar qualities to Acerbi. “I have faith in my players and will continue to defend them,” he asserted, while also acknowledging that he might have to explore other options if certain players struggle with the pressure of international competition.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on a semi-final spot, the emergence of Moise Kean as a standout player in the match offers a glimmer of hope for the future. Spalletti praised the young striker's performance, noting, “He showed character and mental strength in our comeback. We needed that kind of resolve after the first half.”

As Italy prepares for future challenges, the lessons learned from this match could prove pivotal in shaping a more resilient national team. Stay tuned for updates as they embark on their journey toward the 2026 World Cup!