Italy hit rock bottom when they failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Fast forward to 2021, and the Azzurri are now one of the favourites for Euro 2020 next month. If one man has to be given credit, it is Roberto Mancini, who revived the Italians ever since he became the manager in 2018.
Mancini’s excellent record
Since taking charge, Mancini has been impressive all along, winning 22 out of 31 games with 7 draws and 2 defeats. Holding a win percentage of 70 at international matches, the former Manchester City gaffer inspired Italy national side to an unprecedented streak of 10 consecutive wins in 2019. However, Mancini’ most significant test yet will be the Euro. Although he doesn’t have any superstar profiles under his disposal, he can rely on the Collective strength; it is Azzurri’s biggest advantage.
In-depth squad with collective strength
Going into the competition, Mancini has a wide array of options to choose from in every part of the field. Gianluigi Donnarumma will be the ultimate goalkeeper option, given his success at AC Milan this season. The 22-year-old has already attained the world-class status and will look to give his best to Azzurri as legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon did in the past.
Chiellini and Bonucci, who have been at the heart of the defence over the years, are still in contention for the starting role. Besides, Italy owns Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi, a top-class centre-back who can spread the winning mentality among the squad. Alessandro Bastoni is a talent on the rise, and he is also coming on the back of an impressive season at Inter Milan.
Italy never ceases to produce top-class midfielders, and such has been the case with Nicola Barella, Manuel Locatelli and Pessina, who have impressed in Serie A this season. Jorginho and Marco Verratti will add more glamour to an already stacked midfield.
Italy’s forwards haven’t created a big impression consistently, and Mancini will look to change the scenario this time around. Ciro Immobile could be the ideal centre-forward as the Biancocelesti star’s numbers in recent years have been exceptional. Lorenzo Insigne, one of the best forwards in the country, will take up a place in the forward line alongside Federico Chiesa or Domenico Berardi.
Moise Kean out, Jorginho in
Mancini reduced the Italian provisional 33-men-squad to 28 players. Moise Kean, who expected a Euro berth after an excellent performance with Paris Saint-Germain, is among the seven who are not part of the Italian contingent anymore. On the other hand, Emerson Palmieri and Jorginho, who helped Chelsea to win the Champions League, are included
Mancini has recently narrowed his Euro 2020 squad to 28 members, and here is the entire list.
Italy Squad for Euro 2020 (28 members)
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino);
Defenders
Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta);
Midfielders
Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Matteo Pessina (Atalanta), Stefano Sensi (Inter), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain);
Forwards
Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Matteo Politano (Napoli).