Spalletti: ‘Italy must raise game to level of fans’ against Germany in 1st leg quarter final

Luciano Spalletti told the Italy players they must ‘raise our game to the level of these fans’ in the Nations League quarter-final against Germany.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

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

The second leg will be in Dortmund on Sunday evening and the winner goes through to the Final Four of the Nations League.

“There is the right hunger, because we are forced to raise our game to the level of these fans,” Spalletti told RAI Sport.

“With over 64,000 in the stands, their presence means these are the right players and there is faith in them.”

Spalletti has faith in Italy squad

Italy are missing several big players, most recently losing Serie A Capocannoniere Mateo Retegui to injury too, but Spalletti trusts in the team ethic.

“It becomes difficult to bring results home if we focus on individual talent. You get results with a united front as a team, a common idea, a shared dream and ambition to high targets,” said the coach.

There will be a tribute to legendary Italian television commentator Bruno Pizzul in the warm-up, with his voice covering some of the great matches between Italy and Germany in the past.

“I have clear memories of that unforgettable voice, because we saw so many games with him leading us towards wonderful victories. His memory will certainly help us tonight,” concluded Spalletti.