'I haven't had much time' - Luciano Spalletti accepts blame for Italy's early Euro 2024 exit but manager moans about lack of preparation

The Italians were outplayed for the 90 minutes against Switzerland and crumbled to a 2-0 defeat. The Azzurri struggled to impress throughout the group stage and did little to raise their levels in the round of 16. With a string of such abject performances, fingers will be pointed in the Italian camp and Spalletti has accepted the blame.

Speaking after the game, Spalletti said: "The responsibility is mine for what happened. The fault always lies with the coach because I chose the players, and it is clear that it is a path in which I have to make some acquaintances.

"I haven't had much time to get to know the players. The previous coaches have all had 20 games to test and get to know them, some even 30. A few more games could have helped me."

Spalletti has only overseen 14 games in charge of Italy after being named as the head coach of the national team in August 2023. The Italian had just led Napoli to the Serie A title and was given the chance to manage his national side following his departure from Naples.

Despite crashing out unceremoniously against Switzerland, Spalletti remains calm about his position as the Italian boss. He explained: "I'm talking to [the Italian football president Gabriele Gravina] because he has always behaved towards me like a great person and a serious professional."