Scamacca says went to psychologist after past Italy snub

(ANSA) - ISERLOHN, JUN 13 - Italy and Atalanta forward Gianluca Scamacca revealed that he turned to a psychologist after not being called up for the Azzurri's trip to the United States earlier this year for friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador.
    The 25-year-old's form has improved dramatically since and he was a key part of the Atalanta team that won last season's Europa League.
    "Not being called up for the USA did me good," Scamacca told a news conference ahead of Italy's Euro 2024 opener against Albania on Saturday.
    "After I went to psychologist.
    "At the start of the year, I had some injuries. If you are not in good shape how can you play with (the system of Atalanta coach Gian Piero) Gasperini or, in general, the football of today? "I started to be in good physical shape and become consistent and what happened, happened".
    He said confidence was high within the squad before the start of Italy's European title defence.
    "We are a young group and a new cycle has begun," he said.
    "It took us some time to show our quality and I believe it will come out at the European Championship.
    "I feel good, I hope to help this group to get as far as possible possible.
    "I would like to emulate the 2021 group (that won Euro 2020) and the 2006 World Cup group.
    "They made history and I would like to go down in the history of the national team too.
    "It will be a difficult match against Albania, but we must focus on ourselves to give our best". (ANSA).