Soccer: Spalletti regains his smile, sees 'good things'

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 5 - Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said Thursday that has regained his smile after training the national team this week, having admitted to having an awful summer due to their disappointing showing at Euro 2024, which ended with defeat to Switzerland in the last 16.
    "After the first three days of work, training these guys, they have given me my first football smile since the European Championship," Spalletti told reporters at the Azzurri's base at Coverciano, near Florence, ahead of Friday's Nations League match against France in Paris.
    "I have seen good things - pace, passion, eagerness, familiarity with the ball.
    "This is the key to putting things right".
    After Friday's game, Italy will take on Israel in Budapest on Monday. (ANSA).