Scalvini: Every word Italy defender said on France clash, Turkiye win and potential move abroad
Giorgio Scalvini says Italy will try to dominate proceedings against France, admits that the win over Turkiye has boosted the team’s confidence, and refuses to rule out a move abroad despite a recent extension with Atalanta.
Atalanta centre-back Scalvini spoke to reporters at a press conference from Coverciano on Wednesday. Football Italia was among the accredited media.
Scalvini played the full 90 minutes in Monday’s 4-1 win against Turkiye and, in the second half, received hugs from some teammates after a defensive block inside the Azzurri’s box.
“It was a beautiful moment; making that block gave me so much charge. It’s a moment that maybe united us. A nice thing. The whole group is fantastic, and we are doing well,” he said.
What does the win over Turkiye mean to the group?
“It made us aware that we are a strong side; we can dominate the games the way the coach wants. We have the ability to play well and dominate the games,” Scalvini replied.
Scalvini is 22 but made his senior Italy debut four years ago. Does he consider himself a young player or a veteran?
“In between, probably closer to the young players, but the seniors are giving a big help to us young players,” he replied.
“I think it’s important because it shows the spirit of the national team. It’s important to have people, not just footballers, as role models. The coach asks us to create a strong group and stay well together.
“When I made my senior debut, I was really young, and I didn’t really know what to expect,” he continued.
“Surely there are differences. Today, I see that we try to build an identity. It’s just the beginning, but the coach tries to give us an identity and bring serenity to the group. We have a good time together on and off the pitch, which is really important.”
How is football evolving for footballers, especially defenders? Do Italy still have strong players in man-marking such as Chiellini, Maldini, Barzagli or Bonucci?
“Surely those are football legends. Obviously, football has changed, generally, not just for defenders,” Scalvini said.
“The demands are different from the past. In the past, I shared some training sessions with Bonucci and Chiellini, which was fantastic because I learned so much. The same is true now. Working with Gianluca Mancini and Bastoni helps us understand many things you don’t necessarily see from the outside.”
Italy defended with a low block in the second half against Turkiye. Is it a tactical change they decided in the dressing room after a dominant first half?
“We didn’t discuss that. Clearly, when you lead with such a margin, you tend to protect yourself, but it wasn’t a tactical change; it was more about our attitude,” Scalvini said.
“Obviously, we faced a high-quality team that played at home and wanted to respond in front of their fans.”
Coming up now for the Azzurri is the away game against France in Paris.
“France are a strong side, among the best in the world. Especially in attack, they have quality and pace that are superior to everyone else,” Scalvini said.
“We’ll examine the game with the coach to see what to do. We have a positive mindset, we have courage, we are Italy, and we’ll try to do our best to play and give our all.
“Surely France is a strong team. As I said, we’ll examine the game with the coach. There are many things we can do to improve what we’ve already done. We’ll find a way to go there and play openly. Facing such a strong side is a great way for us to understand where we stand.
Scalvini already faced France at the U21 level a few years ago alongside Nicolò Cambiaghi and Sandro Tonali, among others.
“I remember that U21 group. Many of us are here now; many have come from the U21, and I think this is the best thing for Italian football. I remember it was a tricky game; a goal was disallowed, but we’ll want to see the level we’re at,” Scalvini noted.
How did Mancini motivate the team between the defeat to Belgium and the victory in Turkiye?
“He always wants a team that tries to dominate the game,” Scalvini explained.
“He tells us to have fun. Coming from a defeat, we wanted to bounce back and show our desire to do well. This probably helped our approach, but it has to be the same regardless.”
Scalvini had been accustomed to playing in a back three at Atalanta, but now La Dea are changing their identity under Maurizio Sarri. It’s potentially a good change for him given that Italy also defend with a four-man back line.
“Playing in a back four helps me, while before I used to play man-on-man,” Scalvini said.
“There are differences from Mancini’s demands, but it surely helps me.
“We try to move as a unit, but when you have to press high, you need to move ahead, and it can turn into man-on-man.”
Ten players in the current Italy squad come from outside Serie A, while Scalvini has spent his entire career at Atalanta. Would you like to try an experience abroad one day?
“I’ve always been there, and I’ve extended because I’ve always felt well,” he replied.
“At the same time, I understand those who change clubs and go abroad. One day I’d like to do that to learn new things and new concepts, but I’m already doing it at Atalanta.
“I’ve always felt at home in Bergamo, from the structures to the people who work there,” he added.
“The leap from the Primavera to the first team is big, not just physically, but also tactically and sometimes mentally. It’s not easy. But a lot depends on how much the youth sector helps you and how much it impacts the first team. A lot depends on the person, who has to understand strengths and weaknesses and improve day by day.”
Scalvini was forced to miss the 2024 Euros due to a knee injury, and the Italian defender has suffered some setbacks in recent years.
“Many things help you get awareness of yourself and life,” he said.
“Right now, I’m trying to build more and more awareness. This season, I think it’s a transition year where I can earn a lot, and I’d like to be 100% and give my all for club and country.
“As for the mental aspect, those weren’t nice things, but I’ve always tried to stay positive. I owe a lot to my girlfriend, my family, and my friends, who have helped me so much. Prevention and recovery are crucial, and I’ve been working hard on both.”
Ultimately, Scalvini praised both his Italy coach, Mancini, and his Atalanta teammate, Scamacca, who is also part of the Azzurri squad.
“I’ve always felt comfortable with the coach. I like his honesty when he tells me what he thinks. I’m really happy to have reunited with him,” he concluded.
“As for Scamacca, surely he’s fit. He’s had some difficult years, but now I see him well, better than last season. I see a footballer with a strong desire to do well.”
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