He called for his players to play with personality and on the foot front against England, pushing to go beyond their limits. Luciano Spalletti witnessed a brave Italy, who were able to put one of the strongest teams in world football today in trouble, especially in the first half. Then, the experience of Kane and the class of Bellingham made the difference. But the Azzurri left Wembley with their heads held high: “We played the game with the right intentions," the Head Coach said. "Too often we are influenced by the result. But being caught on the counter must be seen as normal if you want to play a physical and European way of football, as club and and international football shows us." His first defeat as Head Coach doesn't alter anything regarding European qualification, which will be decided in November. Beating North Macedonia in Rome and not losing to Ukraine in Leverkusen is what is needed: “We played well," continued Spalletti. "I had the right response. It's obvious that when you play on the front foot a few things need to be corrected and ironed out. We conceded due to their physical strength and in other moments we were surprised and didn't react to what was happening."

Gianluca Scamacca's first goal for the National side wasn't enough for the Azzurri to leave Wembley with a positive result. The Atalanta striker though repaid Spalletti's trust in him, demonstrating the physical and technical qualities to lead the line in a front three. Although, having played few minutes in the league this season, he still isn't in the best shape: “Physcially, I still don't feel at my best yet," he admitted, "but I gave everything I had to help out the team. I need to work on my game back to goal; it's something I want to improve. We played well, worked hard and believed. But when you give these types of players something, they can hurt you. We matched them, but giving them that extra centimetre is all that's needed." Now, though, the focus is on the final two group games in November, knowing that destiny is in our own hands: “We dream of going to the Euros and need to forget this evening. It's all to play for."

Together with Donnarumma and Berardi, Nicolò Barella was also one of three Azzurri players in the starting eleven that beat Malta on Saturday evening to start the game against England. The Inter midfielder, who also lined up in the EURO 2020 final two years ago, worked hard, without being able to threaten in front of goal: “We could have done better with the chances we created. It was a tight game," he said, "but we were punished for our mistakes, which happens against such quality players. We've started something new and now we have to win. There's no more time left; we need to start right away. We need to do better and we have the potential; I believe.”

His club teammate, Francesco Acerbi, explained what was missing to return home with a different result: “In the first half, we did well. Apart from the penalty, they didn't do much. We didn't start the second half well and then going 2-1 down is difficult. You can't make mistakes in football, but to reach a certain level you have to do something extra; we didn't have that clinical edge they had. If you're behind, then it gets difficult."