Gianluca Scamacca recently shared his thoughts on his role as Italy’s number nine at Euro 2024, the criticism of being lazy, and the pressure leading up to the tournament. The 25-year-old striker, who was left out of the squad for friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador in March, is now part of the 26-man Italy squad for the European Championship and will wear the number nine shirt.
During a press conference, Scamacca addressed questions about Italy being underestimated, stating that the team is ready to showcase their strength in the tournament. He expressed his desire to leave a mark in the history of the national team, similar to the successful groups of 2021 and 2006. When asked about the opening game against Albania, Scamacca acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the importance of focusing on giving their best performance.
Regarding the pressure of being the leading man for Italy, Scamacca highlighted the significance of this moment in his career and his commitment to bringing positivity and goals to the team. He credited Gian Piero Gasperini for his support and influence on his performance. Despite allegations of laziness by Luciano Spalletti, Scamacca explained that he does not feel lazy and is motivated to prove himself on the field.
As a striker for Italy, Scamacca expressed his happiness to be part of the team and embrace the experience. He discussed the impact of injuries on his recent performance and the importance of being decisive on the field. In terms of playing style, Scamacca noted the differences between Italy’s system and Atalanta’s tactics but expressed his comfort with both approaches.
Reflecting on the past few months, Scamacca revealed that injuries had affected his game but emphasized his return to consistent play. He explained the role of a center forward in Spalletti’s system, focusing on pressing and creating space for the team. Scamacca admitted that not being included in the squad for the friendlies in March had been helpful, even leading him to seek support from a psychologist.
In a lighthearted moment, Scamacca shared Francesco Totti’s comment about his size during a visit to Coverciano. Despite facing criticism and challenges, Scamacca remains determined to make a positive impact and contribute to Italy’s success in Euro 2024.