Scamacca put PlayStation away and began scoring. Now game time may come as center forward for Italy

ROME (AP) — The message was clear from Italy coach Luciano Spalletti: Put your PlayStation away and start focusing more on scoring goals.

The results have been wondrous for Gianluca Scamacca, who has scored nine goals in 11 matches for Atalanta since Spalletti dropped him from the Azzurri squad in March for his video game obsession.

“If someone wants to waste their time, that’s their choice. But then don’t come on my national team,” Spalletti said, noting how several players were up all night before a decisive European Championship qualifying match against Ukraine in November. The Azzurri drew 0-0 — just enough to qualify.

“It would have been the same thing if they were watching a TV series. It’s an addiction and it’s not good for sleeping, doctors say,” Spalletti added.

Now Scamacca is ready to fill Italy’s gaping hole at center forward just in time for Euro 2024 in Germany.