Italy delivered a mixed bag of performance during October’s international break, casting some doubt on their bid to qualify for next summer’s Euro 2024. Following a 4-0 demolition of Malta, Gli Azzurri collapsed at Wembley, going down 3-1 to England.
That underwhelming result allowed Ukraine to leapfrog Italy into second in qualifying Group C. Although three points separate the sides going into November’s crunch set of fixtures, the reigning European champions have a game in hand and are still in contention for automatic qualification.
But Italy cannot afford a slip-up. They will encounter Ukraine in a qualification six-pointer on the road before entertaining North Macedonia at home in their final Group C outing. After missing out on back-to-back World Cups, staying out of another major tournament would be a national catastrophe.
To avoid such a fate, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti could shuffle the deck next month. As per Gazzetta dello Sport, the ex-Napoli manager is keeping close tabs on five highly-rated Serie A talents, with Torino’s Alessandro Buongiorno headlining the list.
Italy could use additional strength at the back amid a leaky qualifying campaign. With that in mind, Fiorentina up-and-comer Michael Kayode is also in contention for his maiden international call-up. Moving further up the pitch, Samuele Ricci and Tommaso Baldanzi are persons of interest.
Both young guns have impressed in Serie A, earning Spalletti’s attention in the process. Last but not least, Monza phenom Andrea Colpani is a valid candidate to make the Italy cut next month.
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