Spinazzola: Mourinho has already had a big impact

Spinazzola, 28, underwent surgery to fix his Achilles tendon earlier this month – after suffering the injury during Italy’s run to Euro 2020 glory.

Speaking to Il Romanista, the full-back gave an update on his recovery plan.

“I will get back to Trigoria on August 2, one month on from the injury happening,” he said.

“I will start working on the mobility of the ankle under the guidance of the physiotherapists – I want to get back into the routine and I’ll be able to do a lot of work.

“For six weeks I can’t even put weight on the foot, and then I will still have to use the crutches to ensure the load is not too much.

“But that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped working, even now while we are talking I am on the sofa, moving my feet up and down to work the muscles a little bit. I’m already seeing improvements.”

After being one of the star performers for club and then country over the past 18 months, Spinazzola was asked what had changed for him to see such an improvement in his form.

“The failed transfer to Inter [in January 2020] changed things for me,” he said.

“It hurt to hear myself being talked about like I was broken, from that moment I got all the strength in the world to get back to my best and show exactly what I am. Now nothing at all scares me.

“Mentally, I’m in a much better place now. I do the best job in the world, I have a great family and we are all in good health. What more could I ask for?”

Spinazzola cannot wait to get back to fitness and begin working under new coach Jose Mourinho.

“We spoke on the phone before the European Championships, and then we spoke again when I got back to Trigoria,” he said.

“I watched a training session, I watched the first pre-season match. He seems a great guy to me. But it’s clear from the off that he’s a tough boss too.

“From what I’ve heard from my teammates, he’s already made a great impression.”