Spalletti urges Italy to aspire for Euros success
Luciano Spalletti has said that his side must "aspire" to retain its European championship crown, even if it seems a long shot.
Italy travels to Germany as reigning champion having beaten England on penalties in the final of UEFA EURO 2020 at Wembley three years ago.
That victory proved to be an exception to Italy's recent form, though, given the Azzurri failed to qualify for either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cups.
However, after replacing Robert Mancini last year, Spalletti is confident his team can do big things in Germany, though he explained that his squad must take on the responsibility that the title of European champion brings.
"We will never be calm, wearing the Italy shirt, so we must aspire to a lot," Spalleti said ahead of Italy's meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
"Sometimes games make you struggle, but we must prove that we are able to take on this responsibility. We work seriously, and we aim for the top."
Spalletti was announced as Italy's coach in September after Mancini's sudden resignation and switch to Saudi Arabia.
The former Napoli boss was thrown in at the deep end, going into crucial UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers just days later.
Italy did not impress greatly in qualifying, losing twice to England and only managing to scrape through in second place.
"We know where we come from. Surely, the best thing is not to tell these guys that the only way to wear this shirt proudly is to win. When I arrived, there was an open wound," Spalletti added.
"We want to grow, but we start from a non-qualification to the World Cup. We want to work seriously, and we don’t want to hack ourselves."
The Azzurri face Albania in their Group B opener in Dortmund on 16June (AEST), followed by games against Spain, the three-time European champion, and Croatia.