Share this @internewscast.com

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti delivered a bizarre rant during his press conference about his players’ ‘addiction to the PlayStation.

The former Napoli boss was speaking to the media ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Venezuela and Ecuador.

Italy will defend their Euro 2020 trophy in Germany this year, after they qualified for the tournament with their 0-0 draw against Ukraine back in November.

At the end of the press conference, Spalletti decided it was his turn to ask journalists a question.

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti delivered a bizarre rant about his players' addiction to PlayStation

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti delivered a bizarre rant about his players’ addiction to PlayStation

He revealed his players stayed up late before their goalless draw with Ukraine in November - the match which sealed their place in this summer's European Championships

He revealed his players stayed up late before their goalless draw with Ukraine in November – the match which sealed their place in this summer’s European Championships

Spalletti is trying to clamp down on his players' use of PlayStation ahead of Euro 2024

Spalletti is trying to clamp down on his players’ use of PlayStation ahead of Euro 2024

‘We finished? Don’t you care about PlayStations? You don’t give a damn,’ he told the media.

‘Even television programmes were made on it, including with former footballers. Do you think that it’s right that professionals wearing the Italy shirt don’t sleep at night to play and don’t give their best the next day. 

‘The level of a footballer can be seen in the 22 hours off the pitch. I don’t care what the players do, I care that at a certain time they try to sleep. 

‘Some players stayed up at Ukraine, it doesn’t suit me. At the European Championship we create a common playroom because it is important to fill the space.

‘At half past midnight, the only time, everyone is back in their room. Addictions are not good. Your profession should not be disturbed.

‘Anyone who wants to waste time doesn’t come to the national team, there is no contracts that binds them to us.’

It is not the first time that he has ranted to the media about his team’s use of the games console.

In a prior interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, he spoke about the need for respect and professionalism in the national team.

Mykhailo Mudryk was controversially denied a penalty which could have seen Ukraine qualify for Euro 2024 instead of Italy

Mykhailo Mudryk was controversially denied a penalty which could have seen Ukraine qualify for Euro 2024 instead of Italy 

Spalletti said that anyone who 'wastes time' will not be called up for the national team

Spalletti said that anyone who ‘wastes time’ will not be called up for the national team

He said: ‘Because it starts from there. That is the basis on which talent must then be added. Shirt, values, pride, responsibility, these are not words that I use at random, even if some must have thought so…

‘Some players must’ve believed that Spalletti barks and then doesn’t have bite, but instead they are wrong and now there are some things that must be made clear. From now on they leave their PlayStations at home and no longer bring them.

‘I’ll invent a little game for them to think about to distract themselves at night. They come to me, and I give them homework to do in the evening if the daytime homework wasn’t enough.

‘Because in the national team you stay on track, concentrate, don’t mess around. I repeat the All-Blacks slogan, ‘No d***heads here’.’

Italy qualified over Ukraine for this summer’s Euros after their opponents were controversially denied a late penalty for a trip on Mykhailo Mudryk by Bryan Cristante. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Welsh Rugby on the Brink: Two Regions at Risk, Pending Strike Talks, and Top Players Considering Departure Due to Financial Turmoil

Welsh rugby is at risk of seeing more of its key players…

USMNT’s 2026 World Cup Roster: Current Team Status and Future Contenders Before the Gold Cup Final

There won’t be many opportunities in the near future for the United…

Jordan Henderson’s Ajax Contract Ends Early at His Request: Club Issues Statement

Jordan Henderson is set to depart from Ajax right away, clearing a…

Newcastle’s Latest Third Kit Honors a Classic Club Appearance

Newcastle United and adidas have revealed the club’s 2025/26 season third kit…

Legendary Sports Stars: Pele, Muhammad Ali, and Tiger Woods Featured in Priceless Memorabilia Collection

IT started with two football shirts. They were placed in the cosy…

Myles Lewis-Skelly Shines at Paris Fashion Week, Concludes a Remarkable Week with Arsenal

It’s been a whirlwind week for Myles Lewis-Skelly – and the teenage…

From Joyful Beginnings to a Heartfelt Goodbye: Ave Maria Echoes from Their Wedding to Diogo Jota’s Funeral Just 13 Days Later

At the end of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva’s funeral…

Man United’s Pre-Season: Challenges of Selling Unwanted Players and the Influence of the ‘Gang of Five’ at Carrington, by Chris Wheeler

Pre-season is typically an opportunity for fresh starts and clean slates, but…

Why Arsenal is Investing £70m in Victor Gyokeres: Sporting Lisbon’s Rising Star and Brighton’s Greatest Regret

When Swansea signed a forward on loan in October 2020, it did…

Liga MX Unveils Striking 2025 All-Star Uniform Showcasing Mascots and Team Symbols

Last week, Major League Soccer introduced the jersey for the 2025 MLS…