Josep Martinez Says Italy Have Talent to End World Cup Woes

Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez has argued that Italy’s recent international decline is rooted in confidence rather than a shortage of talented players, as the Azzurri attempt to rebuild after missing three successive World Cup finals.

Key takeaways

• Martinez believes Italy retain the technical level needed to compete at the highest level.
• He said the national side must establish a clearer footballing identity under Roberto Mancini.
• The 28-year-old has returned to Spain’s senior squad after Joan Garcia suffered an injury.
• Martinez’s only previous Spain appearance came in June 2021.
• Italy visit France at the Stade de France on Friday in Nations League Group A1.

Martinez sees confidence issue for Italy

Italy’s repeated failure to reach the World Cup has created a major psychological burden around the national team, despite the country’s long history as four-time world champions. Mancini has responded by bringing younger players into the group as he works to reshape both the squad and its playing style.

Martinez, who has played with and against many leading Italian footballers during his Serie A career, does not believe the problem is one of individual ability. He pointed to the quality available at Inter as well as elsewhere in the domestic game.

“Italy have plenty of potential,” Martinez said. “They need to recover a recognisable way of playing, but the quality is there. There are several top Inter players and many good players beyond them. After the World Cup disappointment, they need belief again. In my view, it is principally a mental issue, not a question of talent.”

Spain return and France test ahead

Martinez has also received an unexpected recall to Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad. Joan Garcia’s injury created an opening in the goalkeeping group, with Martinez joining David Raya and Unai Simon.

The call-up marks his first return to the senior Spain set-up since June 2021, when he made his lone appearance for La Roja.

For Italy, the immediate challenge comes in Paris on Friday. Mancini’s new-look side face France in Nations League Group A1, with Zinedine Zidane now in charge of Les Bleus. A strong result at the Stade de France would lift confidence within the Italian camp and preserve their prospects of progressing to the knockout rounds.