Spalletti: “The World Cup qualifying draw? No calculations on the groupings: we want to win with Germany”

The draw for the 2026 World Cup qualification groups has taken place, with Italy placed in the top seed. However, the Azzurri’s final group placement depends on the outcome of their Nations League quarter-final match against Germany. A victory would see Italy in Group A alongside Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg, while a defeat would place them in Group I with Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova.

Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti shared his thoughts on the draw with Rai Sport, emphasizing the team’s ambition to defeat Germany. “We will try to beat Germany: that’s what football demands. An Italy that wins against Germany would certainly be stronger than a team that loses. We’re not making calculations: we honor the sport. We must live up to the mission we’ve been given, to the tradition and history, because the players carry the tricolor on their shoulders,” Spalletti stated.

If Italy emerges victorious, they will face Slovakia, coached by Francesco Calzona, a former member of Spalletti’s staff at Napoli. Spalletti commented on this potential matchup: “I know him well. He was part of my staff at Napoli, and I had already seen very important qualities in him. He has also worked with Sarri and knows how to build a team that plays modern football. They attack from the start and defend high. They play total football, as we saw against England. And then there would be Lobotka, a fantastic player.”

Winning against Germany would also secure Italy’s place in the Nations League final four in Turin. Spalletti emphasized the importance of this opportunity: “This is how strong teams are built, through victories. An Italy that wins against Germany would be a stronger Italy. We must absolutely consolidate the good things we’ve seen during this Nations League. It’s from there that we draw new strength to spend in future matches: we must arrive at these qualification matches with as many victories as possible, we must honor the Nations League. We must take the field to win all the matches.”

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