Spalletti previews Napoli reunion as Italy could face Slovakia in World Cup qualifying | OneFootball

Italy national team head coach Luciano Spalletti has given his thoughts at the prospect of facing Slovakia in World Cup qualifying next year, which would bring a Napoli reunion between the CT, Francesco Calzona and Partenopei midfielder Stanislav Lobotka.

The draw for the European section of World Cup qualifying took place on Friday. Italy will be in one of two groups depending on the outcome of their upcoming Nations League quarter-final against Germany in March.

If Italy beat Germany, they will end up in Group A in World Cup qualifying, along with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

If Italy are beaten by Germany in March, they will go into Group I along with Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova.

Italy-Israel huddle (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Spalletti on potential Napoli reunion in Italy-Slovakia

Speaking in a recent interview with Rai Sport, Spalletti spoke highly of the Slovakia head coach, Calzona, who was previously the assistant coach at Napoli. Spalletti and Calzona worked together when the Partenopei won their first Serie A title in over 30 years in 2022-23.

“I know him well, he was part of my staff at Napoli. I already saw some great qualities in him. He’s also worked with Sarri and he is someone who knows how to build a team that plays modern football,” Spalletti told Rai.

“He attacks you from the start of the move, he keeps the defensive line high. He is a total footballer and he already showed that he knows what he’s doing against England. He deserved so much more from that game at the EUROs.”

Slovakia came within a few minutes of defeating hopefuls England at EURO 2024, only for Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to strike beyond the 90th minute for an eventual 2-1 loss.

Slovakia head coach Francesco Calzona hugs then-England manager Gareth Southgate during EURO 2024.

The Italy head coach is also well familiar with one of Slovakia’s key players.

“There’s also Lobotka, who I know very well. He’s a fantastic footballer, he knows how to get the whole team going.”