Spalletti: ‘Italy chance to prove what we are made of’ in Germany after 2-1 defeat

Luciano Spalletti insists Italy must treat this Nations League quarter-final against Germany as ‘the chance to prove what we are made of.’

It kicks off at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

There are four changes each from the teams that played the first leg in Milan on Thursday evening, as Federico Gatti, Alessandro Buongiorno, Samuele Ricci and Daniel Maldini step in.

Spalletti keeps Italy motivated in Dortmund

“When you play against these opponents who are physically strong, it means you need to do everything right,” Spalletti told RAI Sport.

“We must make the most of our own qualities, which allow us to face off against any rival.”

The Azzurri had taken the lead at San Siro in the first leg through Sandro Tonali and had far more scoring opportunities, but Germany turned it around to win 2-1.

“We must stay in the game, be ready from start to finish. As time goes on, it can get easier. We have the strength to play any type of match,” assured Spalletti.

Germany have seemingly changed their tactical system, switching to a three-man defence to mirror Italy’s approach.

“I expect Germany to press high again, just as they did in the first match. We must hold out under the initial impact and treat these games as a moment of joy, the chance to prove what we are made of.”