North Macedonia vs Italy: Spalletti's motivational talk fails to inspire Azzurri in debut

Italy’s new manager Luciano Spalletti has failed to inspire his Azzurri side in his first game in charge. 

Spalletti made his debut as Italy’s boss but it did not go as planned against North Macedonia. 

The former World Champions were forced to a share of the spoils during their Euro2024 qualifier on Saturday.

Before the game against the minnows, the former SSC Napoli tried to motivate his side. 

As per Football Italia, Spalletti noted that the Italian national anthem was worth 100 Champions League tunes.

Spalletti wanted to see his Azzurri prove that playing for their nation was better and more important than their clubs. 

However, the trick failed to work as the European giants only managed to share the spoils with a side ranked 60 places below them. 

Despite dominating the game from start to finish, Italy failed to make it count in the end.

After a boring goalless first half, the Italians started the second half better when that man Ciro Immobile fired them in front two minutes after the break.

It was no less than Spalletti’s side deserved. 

But the Azzurri failed to make the match safe with another goal which allowed North Macedonia to steal a point courtesy of a late goal from Enis Bardhi. 

Italy continues to struggle in the qualifiers and sits third in Group C with just four points from a possible 12. 

Macedonia on the other hand are behind the Italians, tied on four points but fifth due to an inferior goal difference.