Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed his team have a plan in place to combat a new rule introduced by UEFA for Euro 2024.
UEFA made headlines on the eve of the competition – with the announcement of a rule change that could significantly impact player behaviour on the pitch.
The rule will ensure the captain is the only player from each team who is allowed to discuss a decision made by the referee.
If a player is not a captain and approaches the official to dispute a decision – they will be immediately booked.
The switch is an attempt to curb incidents of players surrounding a referee following a controversial decision.
UEFA are attempting to curb incidents of players surrounding a referee following a decision
Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed Italy have a plan in place to combat the new rule
However, goalkeeper Donnarumma, who was recently appointed Italy’s captain, says he and his team-mates have devised a plan.
‘We spoke to [UEFA referees chief] Roberto Rossetti and it was very clear,’ said Donnarumma.
‘When there are situations near the penalty area then I will go across and speak to the match officials, but before games we will decide as to who is going to speak to the referees for situations far from the penalty area. It might be Jorginho or Nicolo Barella, we’ll decide just before kick-off.’
Italy will get their defence of the European Championship underway when they take on Albania in Group B on Saturday night.
And manager Luciano Spalletti is aware of the pressure and responsibility his players hold as he urged them to show no fear.
‘For any child that goes out every evening and sweats, grazes their knees – then we are their heroes, what they dream of. It is up to us to live up to that,’ Spalletti said on Friday.
‘Giants and heroes don’t go out with fear – they go out with passion and belief.
‘Every one of us needs to ensure they have their toolbox and can screw or unscrew what they need to.’
Luciano Spalletti has urged his players to show no fear ahead of their clash with Albania
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is expected to overcome a muscle injury scare and feature for the Azzurri.
‘Yesterday (Thursday) he did everything in training. He will participate in training matches later today (Friday) and we’ll take that into consideration,’ he said. ‘And we’ll wait on how he feels because he’s had a similar problem in the past.
‘However, everything we saw yesterday evening suggests that he will be available tomorrow.’
