A Breakdown of Spalletti’s Six Key Players for Italy: Inter Quartet a Mixed Blessing

Luciano Spalletti's tenure as Italy's head coach has been a mixed bag, marked by tactical experimentation, moderate results, and a reliance on key players—four of whom hail from Inter Milan. As Italy concluded their 2024 calendar year with a 3-1 loss to France in the UEFA Nations League, finishing second in their group and facing a tough playoff draw, the spotlight turned to Spalletti's player management and the reliance on his trusted core.

Since taking charge, Spalletti has overseen 20 matches, securing 11 wins, five draws, and four losses. His side has scored 34 goals while conceding 21. These figures place his 55% win rate 10th among the 16 Italian managers who have coached 20 or more matches.

Over the past year and a half, Spalletti has utilized 45 players, with varying degrees of involvement. Among these, six players have emerged as indispensable, playing over 1,150 minutes—four of them from Inter Milan. These players form the backbone of Spalletti's Italy but have also raised concerns about the impact of their heavy usage on their club performances.

1. Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Ever-Present Guardian

Leading the list is goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has logged 1,440 minutes under Spalletti. As a goalkeeper, his position inherently guarantees consistent playing time, and he has been a reliable figure at the back. While Donnarumma’s performances have not been without criticism, his status as Italy’s undisputed number one remains intact.

2. Giovanni Di Lorenzo: The Trusted Lieutenant

Coming in second is Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, with 1,395 minutes. Di Lorenzo's deep connection with Spalletti, established during their successful stint at Napoli, makes him a natural choice for heavy involvement. Beyond his defensive capabilities, Di Lorenzo has played a significant role in maintaining cohesion within the squad, leveraging his leadership to influence the dressing room dynamics positively.

3. Alessandro Bastoni: The Passing Maestro

Inter center-back Alessandro Bastoni ranks third with 1,378 minutes. His role in Spalletti's system transcends traditional defensive duties, as his exceptional passing accuracy adds a crucial dimension to Italy’s build-up play. Bastoni attempts 83.3 passes per 90 minutes with a staggering 92% accuracy, including a 70% success rate on long balls.

These numbers highlight Bastoni's importance as a playmaker from the back, but his workload raises questions. The physical demands of Spalletti’s tactics, especially with Italy frequently switching between back-three and back-four formations, can be taxing, particularly for a player with a history of durability concerns.

4. Federico Dimarco: The Assist King

Fourth on the list is Federico Dimarco, another Inter stalwart, with 1,303 minutes across 18 appearances. Dimarco’s offensive contributions have been remarkable, with one goal and five assists to his name, making him Italy’s assist leader under Spalletti.

Dimarco thrives in high-stakes moments, delivering crucial assists against top-tier opponents like France and Belgium. Additionally, his role as a primary set-piece taker has solidified his importance in Spalletti’s plans. However, like Bastoni, Dimarco’s endurance is not his strong suit, and the dual demands of club and country could take a toll.

5. Davide Frattesi: The Goal-Scoring Midfielder

Davide Frattesi’s 1,185 minutes rank fifth, but his impact goes far beyond mere numbers. With seven goals, Frattesi has been Italy’s top scorer under Spalletti, overshadowing the contributions of traditional forwards like Mateo Retegui and Giacomo Raspadori.

Frattesi’s ability to score in critical moments, including braces against Ukraine and Israel, underscores his value. As a box-to-box midfielder, his energetic style perfectly complements Spalletti’s dynamic system. However, sustaining such performances could pose a challenge, given the physical demands placed on him.

6. Nicolò Barella: The Tireless Engine

Completing the list is Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella, who has amassed 1,147 minutes in 14 appearances. Barella’s contributions include two goals and three assists, along with occasional stints as captain. His versatility allows him to thrive in multiple roles, making him indispensable in Spalletti’s evolving formations.

However, Barella’s relentless workload under Spalletti has drawn criticism. Despite nursing injuries on several occasions, he has often been rushed back into action. For instance, after suffering a knock against Belgium, Barella was required to play a full match just three days later.

The Inter Quartet: A Double-Edged Sword

The heavy reliance on Inter players—Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, and Frattesi—presents both opportunities and challenges.

Benefits

From Inter’s perspective, their players’ involvement in the national team boosts their market value. For instance, Dimarco’s performances over the past 18 months have seen his valuation rise by €15 million, with the Azzurri providing an excellent platform for showcasing his abilities.

Drawbacks

On the flip side, the demanding schedules and physical toll on these players could have repercussions for their club performances. Bastoni and Dimarco, in particular, are known for their limited stamina, while Barella’s intensive role in both attack and defense heightens his susceptibility to injuries.

Spalletti’s tendency to rely on key players even when they are not fully fit has been a contentious issue. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi will be wary of the potential impact this could have on his team’s campaign, especially as the season progresses.

The Road Ahead

As Spalletti continues to shape his Italy side, the balance between club and country interests will remain a delicate one. For now, the contributions of the six "untouchables," especially the Inter quartet, remain vital to Italy’s aspirations. However, managing their workload effectively will be crucial to avoid burnout and maintain their high standards on both fronts.