Giovanni Di Lorenzo faced harsh criticism after the Euros, but convincing performances from club and country this season should prompt fans to apologise to the experienced defender.
The 2023-24 campaign was probably the toughest in recent years for Di Lorenzo. Surely, it was a huge step back after becoming the first – and only – captain following Diego Maradona to lift the Scudetto trophy in Naples.
Not only did he endure a terrible title defence under three different coaches last term, but he was also booed by fans in the final games of the season, and his departure from Naples seemed inevitable until Antonio Conte was appointed.
The Italian tactician had clear plans for the 31-year-old from Castelnuovo Garfagnana. Off the pitch, the Italian pushed for Di Lorenzo’s stay at the Maradona, just like he did with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Stanislav Lobotka. On the pitch, Conte first played DiLo in a three-man defence and then moved him back to the right-back position, switching to a 4-2-3-1 system.
The Italian defender has already scored three times in 12 Serie A appearances, including a decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Lecce at the end of October.
Things look bright on the national team front as well, even if his Nations League campaign had started with a blunt error that allowed France to take an early lead in the first post-EURO 2024 match, eventually won 3-1 in Paris by Spalletti’s men.
National team fans had been highly critical of Di Lorenzo, not only on social media but also in Football Italia’s comments section. I remember many, many comments asking Spalletti to drop him from the starting XI or even not call him again.
Di Lorenzo had been one of the most disappointing players at the Euros, and the first September display against France indeed was not magnificent.
However, with the same determination and quality that helped him bounce back at Napoli, and perhaps thanks to the considerable boost from performances with his club, Di Lorenzo reacted on international soil, playing four Italy games from five and adding two goals and one assist.
Last night against Belgium, he provided the final pass for Sandro Tonali, inspiring Italy’s 1-0 win over Belgium and confirming that he still belongs to the national team and the highest spheres of Italian football.
One bad season does not mean the end of a player’s career, so those who questioned his ability to help the Azzurri should now apologise.
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
I’m sorry 😢
Thank you, Rupert 😂🤝
He’s a bum
It was only 4 games ago during which he provided a direct a55ist for the France goal 😂 If you’re happy to lap up being celebrated, you have to accept criticism as well. Comes with being an international footballer.
Also. I’m not sure if Di Lorenzo was criticised up to the extent of actually deserving an apology. Pellegrini is the one who was being rinsed for his non existent displays. But then again you have to ask why Spalletti kept picking up.
He is rhe reason behind many many goals conceded. Italy missed wc during mancini because of his defending during 3 qualifying matches. Italy was horrible in Europe because he was by far worse Italien player.
Let’s make the World Cup, then all will be forgiven
I’m sorry DiLo. I thought you were done… but you’ve been fantastic. Forza Azzurri!!
He only played 1good game against Belgium yesterday. He is the main reason Italy conceded too many goals.
Not apologizing to DiLorenzo for nothing. I hope he continues to do well, for both club and country. However, shouldn’t be apologizing to DiLorenzo but thanking Tonali, who has been a breath of fresh air for Italy. Nothing personal with DLo but cmon man he was terrible for a large sample size of games. Spalletti loves him and has chosen to live or die with him back there.
I don’t still see him as the best Italian, in that right back position.
No apologies!
I believe DiLo is not the best Italian we have at the wing back.
No apologies!
Di Lorenzo needs to make way , he is not the future . He is the odd man out in the back three . Calafiori when fit should play along side Bastoni and Buongiorno . Gatti should be the reserve for the back three
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