Spinazzola: Gattuso called and said Italy needs me, I have emerged from the shadow of the European Cup

On October 13, Spinazzola talked about multiple topics in an interview with Italian national television.

He said: "Gattuso called me before the first training camp and said that he was very optimistic about me and the door of the national team was open for me. In fact, it was a very brief phone call, just a few words: 'Leo, we need you...'"

"A few years ago, there were two experienced veterans in the team, Bonucci and Chiellini, who had won and lost in the national team. But now we have many young players in the team, all in Europe. Playing for a Champions League or Europa League final team. This is the way forward. "

"Judging from this week's training, the atmosphere in the team is very good, and Gattuso did a great job. What I see is a confident team that knows we are strong and have the ability to make our voices heard. The defeat must end there and we must go to the World Cup. "

"I have indeed changed, and my technical characteristics are also different from those before. So explosive. But my mental quality has improved a lot, and my reading ability on the court has also improved. The two years after the injury were really hard. "

"I was stuck in my past self and couldn't get out of it. I always thought about the state before the injury. I needed professional help and they have now become my friends and have given me tremendous support. This is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. It is with their help that I have come so far. "

"My family has also made a lot of efforts. I'm a different player now and happy to be the player I am now. I have come out of the shadow of the European Cup, and I hope others can do the same. "

"I haven't trained so hard on the physical level since Gasperini. Conte once again raised my level, not only physically but also mentally. I'm also very grateful to him. "