Euro 2024: Italy Boss Spalletti Sets the Record Straight About PlayStation Ban and His Strict Rules

• Luciano Spalletti has clarified reports of banning his players from playing PlayStation during Euro 2024
• The Italy boss is said to have implemented four tough rules for his stars as they seek to defend their title
• After coming from a goal down to beat Albania, Gli Azzurri would hope to seal another win against Spain

Italy manager, Luciano Spalletti, has addressed the speculation about his supposed strict rules for players during the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

The reigning Euro champions began their title defence with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Albania on Saturday, June 15, coming from behind to win.

Gli Azzurri conceded the fastest goal in the competition's history when Nedim Bajrami capitalised on a misjudged throw-in by left-back Federico Dimarco, intended for Alessandro Bastoni.

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The Sassuolo winger scored from close range just 23 seconds into the match to stun Italy, per UEFA.

Despite the early setback, Spalletti's team demonstrated resilience, scoring the equaliser and the winning goal shortly after.

Alessandro Bastoni levelled the score in the 11th minute with a header from a short corner swung in by Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Nico Barella then put the two-time champions ahead five minutes later with a strike from outside the box.

While their comeback has been lauded, it is Spalletti's reportedly strict rules, including banning players from playing PlayStation, that have been making headlines.

Spalletti addresses PlayStation ban

The former Napoli coach clarified these claims, explaining that he is not opposed to players having fun but emphasises the importance of getting enough rest and not staying up late.

“I can’t believe I have to comment about this; I just care that they sleep at night.

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"I never said they can’t play PlayStation; I said you can’t stay up until 3-4 am. Those are two different things," the 65-year-old said, as quoted by Italian Football TV.

Emphasising the importance of rest, Luciano stated he doesn't mind what his players do as long as it doesn't disrupt their rest period.

He also mentioned that he sometimes joins in the fun with his team.

"I don’t care what they’re staying up to do. I want them to wake up well-rested for training. I have nothing against games. In fact, we created a gaming room with two PlayStations. Even I go there to play."

In conclusion, the veteran manager quipped, "Do you think it’s right if a player at this level stayed up until 3-4 am?”

What are Spalletti's strict rules at Euro 2024?

To keep his players grounded and focused, Luciano Spalletti has implemented strict rules for the tournament, as reported by Sports Brief.

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Spalletti has prohibited the use of PlayStation and headphones among his players.

Additionally, they are not allowed to use their mobile phones while on the massage table or play games past midnight.