After missing out on a World Cup Finals spot in 2018, Italy have been revitalized by the arrival of Roberto Mancini. The Serie A and Premier League winner has inspired the Azzurri to a 25 game unbeaten streak which includes winning all 10 of their qualification games to Euro 2020. Mancini has smoothly integrated young legs in the Italians with the likes of Federico Chiesa, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolò Barella and a surprise call up Giacomo Raspadori whilst also involving veterans Lorenzo Insigne, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. This transformation makes Italy a team to look out for at the Euros and also a team that has it in them to go all the way.
Predominantly set up in a 4-3-3, Italy are now grasping the initiative in games and imposing their style and personality on opponents, while also providing regular reminders of their ability to lean on their tactical discipline out of possession. Mancini recently displayed his versatility while experimenting with a 3-5-2 in a World Cup qualification match against Lithuania, which could become a theme entering the knockout stages.
With just four goals conceded in qualification and no goals conceded in three games on the road to Qatar so far, it looks like Mancini has found the right balance for this team.
The Italians have a fairly straightforward group in Wales, Switzerland and Turkey and should have little issues topping the group.
Italy Players to Look Out for:
Alessandro Bastoni – A ball magnet with immense anticipation, Bastoni has emerged as a key component to Antonio Conte’s title-winning Inter side. The left-footed defender, still only 22, will look to establish himself as the heir to Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci with the national team.
Giacomo Raspadori – A surprise pick in the Italian side, the 21-year-old forward has had quite an impact for Sassuolo this season with 6 goals in 28 appearances, most of them which came of the bench. His ability to dribble with the ball make him more suited to be a winger than a forward, but there is no doubt Raspadori has a big future ahead of him. He will most likely feature on the bench for Italy but expect him to make an impact when called upon by Mancini.
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Italy Expected Line-up:
The Italians are versatile in their line up and opt for a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2 formation. We shall see both.
(4-3-3) Donnarumma; Florenzi, Chiellini, Bonucci, Emerson; Jorginho, Verratti, Barella; Insigne, Immobile, Chiesa
(3-5-2) Donnarumma; Chiellini, Bonucci, Bastoni; Florenzi, Jorginho, Verratti, Barella, Spinazzola; Insigne, Immobile
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