Aston Villa attacker Nicolo Zaniolo is delighted to have helped Italy reach the Euros.
Italy's 0-0 draw with Ukraine saw them secure a place at Euro2024 in Germany.
Zaniolo later said: "It was essential to qualify because we knew that today it was difficult against a strong team, which had a lot of experience . We knew we would have to fight, the coach had motivated us, we had the right motivation. We want to go to the European Championship not as extras, but as protagonists."
What game was today?
"Spalletti warned us that it would be a different match to San Siro, they played everything like us and in the end the match was also a lot of nerves. In the second half there was less space for our plays, the match was more masculine and physical, it was important to get everyone behind us, defend, fight... We passed, that's the important thing."
How is your relationship with Spalletti?
"My relationship with the coach is a real relationship, the coach is a real person, even if I have only known him for a short time. It seems to me that he says things in a direct and frank manner, he tells you what he thinks without fear. I'm always ready to play, enter, the important thing was to pass, I could play 5 minutes, 90 or 0, but that counted, then luckily I played."
What could be the reason why for some people saying Italy is a little faded?
"I have been around the national team for 5 years and I have never seen what you are saying. Everyone has always come here with the utmost desire and respect for this shirt because it's not just us and the staff who play, but we represent a country. We are a great group of decent people."
