Focus on Italy’s Pre-Match Training: Donnarumma Trains Hard for Spain, Inter Duo Key to Counterattack

On the morning of June 18th, the Italian team, in their preparations for the second round of Euro group matches, did not bar journalists from their training session. Italian Sky Sports and Football Italia were among the media outlets that followed the training led by Spalletti, highlighting two main focuses: the goalkeeper and the Inter Milan duo.

Italy started their Euro campaign with a 2-1 victory over Albania and will now face a strong Spain. Observers noted that before the training began, Spalletti closely watched the players but didn’t engage in conversation with them.

During the warm-up, Italy’s three goalkeepers (Donnarumma, Meret, and Vivaldi) trained separately. After the warm-up, the two backup goalkeepers joined the rest of the squad for ball work and team drills, while Donnarumma continued his individual training with the goalkeeper coach.

Italian media pointed out that Italy is unlikely to dominate possession against Spain, making solid defense crucial. And which defensive position can most influence the outcome? The goalkeeper, of course. We’ll see if Italy’s “special training” for Donnarumma pays off.

However, defense alone won’t suffice; counterattacks are also vital. Signs from the training suggest that Barella and Frattesi, both from Inter Milan, have been given special attention.

Barella stood out as he was the only player wearing an orange vest, allowing him to participate in the drills of either team, making him a focal point amidst the large training group.

Frattesi, too, received extra guidance from Spalletti and his coaching staff. Though the specifics of their conversations remain unknown, prior to the training, Frattesi mentioned in an interview that the coach asked him to drop deeper and move to the wings to avoid the “congested central midfield area.”