Spalletti Remains Cautious of Germany Despite Absence of Havertz and Wirtz

The friendly fixture, seen by many as a key test ahead of the upcoming European Championship, has generated significant buzz. While some see the absence of Havertz and Wirtz as a blow to Germany’s attacking firepower, Spalletti has warned against complacency.

“Germany is Germany,” Spalletti told reporters during a pre-match press conference. “They have a strong identity, fantastic players all across the pitch, and a winning mentality that doesn’t depend on one or two individuals. We must respect that.”

Havertz, who has been a consistent performer for both Germany and Arsenal this season, is sidelined with a minor muscle injury. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz, one of the standout players in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning campaign, is being rested following an intense run of games. Despite these absences, Spalletti remains wary of the alternatives that Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann can deploy.

“Look at players like Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, or even Thomas Müller if he plays—they can hurt you in an instant,” Spalletti added. “They have experience, quality, and tactical discipline. It would be foolish to underestimate them.”

Italy’s recent form under Spalletti has been promising, with the Azzurri beginning to forge a new identity following Roberto Mancini’s departure. The former Napoli manager has emphasized aggressive pressing and fluid attacking play while also restoring a defensive structure that reflects Italy’s rich footballing tradition.

The game against Germany will serve as a valuable benchmark, especially as Spalletti continues to shape his squad for the Euros. Several younger players have been integrated into the national team setup, including Federico Gatti, Andrea Cambiaso, and Gianluca Scamacca—all of whom are expected to feature prominently in the match.

“We’re building something,” Spalletti said. “This isn’t just about winning friendlies—it’s about creating a team that can compete with anyone in Europe. And to do that, we have to test ourselves against the best, which is exactly what Germany represents.”

German coach Julian Nagelsmann, for his part, echoed Spalletti’s mutual respect, acknowledging Italy’s resurgence under the new regime. “Italy is always a tough opponent. They have a great mix of youth and experience, and under Spalletti, they look very well-organized and hungry,” he said.

While the fixture won’t directly impact any qualification standings, it carries emotional and psychological weight. Historically, Italy vs. Germany has been one of international football’s great rivalries, featuring iconic matches in World Cups and European Championships. Fans are expecting a competitive and intense encounter, regardless of its “friendly” label.

The match will also provide a platform for fringe players on both sides to stake their claim for a spot in the final tournament squads. With Havertz and Wirtz out, players like Jonas Hofmann, Serge Gnabry, and Maximilian Beier could be given valuable minutes to impress. As the Azzurri prepare to take on a restructured but still dangerous Germany, Spalletti’s message is clear: “The badge on the jersey means something. Whether it’s a star player or a debutant, every German player will fight to win. We must be ready to fight harder.”