ITALY head coach Luciano Spalletti believes Destiny Udogie can have a major influence for his side in their Euro 2024 qualifier against England.
The Azzurri take on England in a qualifying Group C clash tomorrow at Wembley needing a win to catch up with the hosts.
Tottenham Hotspur left-back Udogie, who was born in Verona to Nigerian parents, made his senior Italy debut on Saturday, coming on as a late substitute and assisting the fourth goal in the 4-0 victory over Malta.
Spalletti, who led Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years last season before quitting, expressed belief in the 20-year-old ahead of the key clash.
“Udogie has everything. Like all young players, he needs experience, but he has an important engine and in a game where physicality and strength can make the difference, he can help us,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia today when asked if Udogie would start against England.
With Italy unable to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup just one year after winning the European Championships title, Spalletti has urged his players to ‘overcome the limits’ at Wembley Stadium tomorrow night.
“International players see a chance to qualify in these sorts of games and want to qualify through these games,” he said.
“Those who go on the pitch thinking qualification will be determined in the following matches, are not international players. This is a game where we must be happy to overcome the limits everyone puts in front of us. This is where we see the personality of the team.
“Players already know many things. We must continue to improve, give more and show an attitude that makes people happy and strengthens us.”
Italy, who beat England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, are second in Group C level on points with Ukraine but with a game in hand, and three points below leaders England.
