Montolivo: Italy Morale Worries, Calls for Pio Esposito Start in Crucial Playoff
Former Italy midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has voiced apprehension regarding the mental state of Gennaro Gattuso's squad ahead of Tuesday's World Cup playoff final against Bosnia. He urged the players to approach the crucial match with a sense of freedom, rather than being weighed down by anxiety.
Montolivo highlighted Italy's hesitant opening against Northern Ireland as a cautionary indicator.
"I am somewhat worried about the players' morale," he stated.
"The team cannot afford to start as tensely as they did against Northern Ireland; they need to be relaxed. This is the crucial point, especially since we're playing away. The coach will really need to focus on the players' mental approach."
Montolivo: "I'd Advocate for Pio Esposito to Start for Italy"
Regarding potential lineup adjustments, Montolivo endorsed Pio Esposito for a place in the starting XI.
"I'd personally like to see him play from the first minute," he stated. However, he also recognized the importance of impactful substitutes, observing that players introduced from the bench often prove more decisive than those who begin the match.
In the midfield, Montolivo found no compelling reason for personnel changes, offering a defense of Manuel Locatelli despite his initial struggles in the game against Northern Ireland.
"He's having an outstanding season and fully merits his spot in the national squad," Montolivo asserted.
"The other night, he faced some initial difficulties, but that was purely a tactical adjustment, nothing more." He proposed that any necessary alterations should focus on positional tweaks rather than swapping players.
Fresh materials — Sport news
Serie A: Juventus vs. Bologna, Verona vs. Milan, Pisa vs. Genoa - Live Updates
This is a live blog covering several Serie A matches. We will provide real-time updates, key events, and results as they unfold. Stay tuned for the latest from Juventus vs. Bologna, Verona vs. Milan, and Pisa vs. Genoa. Juventus vs. Bologna Get ready for the clash between Juventus and
Inter's Path to Serie A Title Glory Next Weekend
Inter Milan stands on the brink of securing the 2025-26 Serie A title, with a potential championship-clinching victory next weekend contingent on a win against Torino and specific outcomes in matches involving Napoli and Milan. Following their decisive 3-0 victory over Cagliari, Inter has
Besiktas Pursues Juventus Winger Edon Zhegrova After Challenging First Season
Edon Zhegrova's tenure at Juventus appears likely to conclude after a single season, with Turkish club Besiktas having initiated contact with the Kosovo winger's agent regarding a potential summer move. According to reports from Turkish newspaper Fanatik, relayed by IlBianconero, the Koso
Milan Expresses Interest in Napoli's Spinazzola for Free Transfer
The future of Leonardo Spinazzola at Napoli appears increasingly uncertain. The experienced left-back has yet to receive any indication from the club regarding an extension to his contract, which is set to expire in June. Consequently, his representatives have begun exploring alternative option
Abodi Hits Back at Outgoing FIGC President Gravina: ‘Always Because of Politics’
Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi has countered the assertions of the departing FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, who implied that the football association lacked sufficient governmental backing. Abodi stated that "when things go wrong, it's always because of politics." Gravina announced his d
Lotito Advocates for Special Commissioner to Restructure Italian Football Federation (FIGC)
Lazio owner Claudio Lotito has voiced his disagreement with the majority of Serie A clubs who support Giovanni Malagò as the next President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Lotito contends that a fundamental restructuring of the entire system is necessary, rather than simply appointi