Strict rules for Euro 2024 squad including ‘no PlayStation' get Luke Littler’s attention
Luke Littler believes he would struggle to follow the rules at Euro 2024, amid claims that Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has banned his stars from video games
Luke Littler is relieved to not be part of Italy's squad at Euro 2024 (Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Darts prodigy Luke Littler has expressed his relief at not being part of Italy's Euro 2024 squad, amidst rumours that the team faces a video game ban during the tournament.
The 17-year-old Manchester United supporter, who recently became Premier League Darts champion, has previously shown off his football skills in a crossbar challenge on Sky Sports. However, Littler is admittedly a long way off an international call-up.
Littler's dedication to darts practice has been instrumental in his meteoric rise in the sport. Yet, he couldn't help but react to claims that Italy's manager Luciano Spalletti has imposed strict rules for his players at Euro 2024, including banning video games. On Instagram, Littler commented: "Glad I'm not in that squad."
A keen gamer himself, Littler has previously talked about investing some of his prize money in EA FC ultimate team packs. It appears that spending a month without his console would be a daunting prospect for the teenager.
However, Spalletti has clarified the alleged PlayStation ban, stating in a press conference on Friday: "I'm not bothered about what they do, but I don't allow them to spend all night being up.
"I have nothing against any type of game - we have created a games room where there are two PlayStations there. Everyone goes there, I have had a go on it myself.
Littler isn't much a fan of Luciano Spalletti (Image: Getty)
"But they can do that...within the right time of day. I don't think it's acceptable they're awake until 3 or 4am, you need to sleep at night. We need to impart a correct lifestyle during matches.
"It's not fair and not true that I said we can't play PlayStation. I said we can't stay up until 3 or 4 am - that's different."
Earlier this year, Spaletti was irritated by one of his players staying up late playing video games before Italy's crucial Euros qualifier against Ukraine. However, for Littler, his gaming habits haven't hindered his rise to stardom in the world of darts.
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Luke Littler is in action at the Polish Darts Masters this weekend (Image: Getty)
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The young star will likely be following the Euros closely as the competition progresses, as well as keeping an eye on Manchester United's transfer movements. On Instagram, Littler expressed his excitement about reports that the Red Devils had made an initial bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, posting, "Jarrad on the way, [Matthijs] De Ligt on the way", accompanied by a sighing emoji.
Littler is currently taking part in the Poland Darts Masters and faces Peter Wright in the quarter-final later today (Saturday). The 17-year-old has enjoyed a whirlwind 2024 since reaching the World Championship final, winning Premier League Darts and the Bahrain Darts Masters.
Italy face Albania tonight (Saturday, 8pm) in their first game in Group B. Meanwhile, England are preparing for their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday (8pm).
