With only a few months remaining before Euro 2024, a report in the Italian media predicts the final 23-man Italy squad.
The Azzurri underwent two friendly tests in the past week during their United States tour. They prevailed 2-1 over Venezuela in Miami on Thursday before beating Ecuador by two unanswered goals in Miami on Sunday.
Perhaps the Italians didn’t take the world by storm, but they still showcased positive signs. In any case, if you’re a fan of sports betting, you would be aware of Italy’s tendency to surprise at the biggest stages, whether it may be clinching trophies when the odds are placed against them, or on the contrary, failing to achieve minimum objectives.
But while some players managed to consolidate their positions in the group, others failed to make the most of the opportunity.
While it remains slightly premature to tell how Spalletti’s would look, Sky Sport Italia projected the final lineup, notwithstanding injuries or other possible emergencies.
Goalkeepers
Italy Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma is a certain inclusion, while Spurs’ Guglielmo Vicario has now cemented himself as a solid second choice.
The source also tips Napoli’s Alex Meret to clinch the third berth at the expense of Ivan Provedel, Marco Carnesecchi and Michele Di Gregorio.
Defense
With Spalletti now switching to a three-man defense, there should be six spots available at the back. Giovanni Di Lorenzo should get the nod alongside Inter duo Matteo Darmian and Alessandro Bastoni.
Sky expects Gianluca Mancini, Giorgio Scalvini and Alessandro Buongiorno to complete the department.
On the other hand, Francesco Acerbi’s recent incident (regarding alleged racial abuse) could cost him what had previously been an automatic spot.
Wingbacks
The versatile Andrea Cambiaso should earn himself a place in a particularly young department. The report expects him to be joined by Raoul Bellanova, Federico Dimarco and Destiny Udogie.
Midfield
In the 3-4-2-1 system, Spalletti requires a double pivot plus an attacking midfielder. Therefore, six midfielders are required in total.
Inter pair Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi should earn their spots along with Arsenal veteran Jorginho, Roma duo Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante, in addition to Jack Bonaventura.
For his part, Manuel Locatelli will try to break into the squad, possibly at Bonaentura’s expense.
Attack
Finally, the attacking department should comprise of Juventus star Federico Chiesa, Genoa bomber Mateo Retegui, Napoli’s utility man Giacomo Raspadori and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo.
Nevertheless, the likes of Gianluca Scamacca and Moise Kean will be hoping to earn their way back with impressive displays between now and the end of the season.