'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
According to a report by ESPN, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has apologised to the journalist he lost his temper with following his side's 1-1 Euro 2024 draw with Croatia. The Azzurri boss lost his cool during his post-match interview but had the presence of mind to backtrack via a phone call.
The former Napoli boss didn't take the suggestion well that he made a 'pact' with his players ahead of their crucial Group C game. The famed Italian boss lambasted the journalist:
"Pact? Who told you that? Who told you that I speak to my players about such things?
"Whoever leaks stuff like this from inside ... the pact is against us. I know what's going on here. How old are you? 51? Well, if you j*rk off every day for another 14 years maybe you'll know as much as me."
Trending
Spalletti, though, showed his class by calling the journalist at 2 a.m. in the morning to apologise for his words.
The game against Croatia was an important and close-fought encounter, where Italy needed a late equaliser to secure their place in the Euro 2024 knockouts. The reigning champions will look to produce stronger performances as their title defence enters a crucial stage.
Italy and Luciano Spalletti discover Round of 16 opponents at Euro 2024
Reigning European champions Italy face Switzerland in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024 on June 29 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Luciano Spalletti will be keen to get his side back to winning ways against their trans-alpine neighbuors at the Stadium where they lifted the FIFA World Cup in 2006.
Both sides finished second in their respective groups but have been drawn to face each other in the Round of 16. Italy head into the game with a mixed bag of results, winning, losing and drawing once in three group games. They face the Swiss who emerged from their group undefeated, with a win and two draws.
The Azzurri are unbeaten in three encounters with the Swiss, winning one and drawing two. The Euro 2020 champions will be keen to maintain that record to reach the quarterfinals, where they could meet England.
Luciano Spalletti has cut an embattled figure at Euro 2024 and will be keen to project confidence in his abilities on the touchline. The Italians have been without a win since their 2-1 opening win against Albania.
