Italy's Euro 2024 Squad: Lacking the 'X Factor' but Full of Grit

As Euro 2024 approaches, the Italy’s national football team finds itself in a familiar yet uncertain position. The Azzurri, reigning champions from their triumph in 2020, have undergone significant changes since their last European conquest. Despite their illustrious history, the current squad appears to lack the ‘X factor’ that once made them formidable. Instead, they rely heavily on the experienced yet aging ‘old guard’ to steer them through.

The departure of Roberto Mancini, who famously led Italy to victory at Wembley in 2020, marks a pivotal shift. Mancini’s subsequent move to Saudi Arabia, coupled with Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, highlighted the team’s recent struggles. Luciano Spalletti, who took over after a successful stint with Napoli, has been tasked with reviving the squad’s fortunes. However, his attempts to instill his signature feistiness have yielded mixed results. Italy’s qualification for Euro 2024 came down to the wire, narrowly avoiding a playoff thanks to their head-to-head record against Ukraine.

The Leadership and Star Power of Italy’s Euro 2024 Squad

Under Luciano Spalletti’s leadership, Italy’s squad for Euro 2024 features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the towering PSG goalkeeper, will captain the side, bringing his wealth of experience and commanding presence to the fore. Donnarumma’s role as the team’s leader is crucial, especially given the absence of a clear standout star in the current lineup.

Nicolo Barella, the dynamic midfielder from Inter Milan, is one of the key players to watch. Barella, who played a pivotal role in Inter’s recent Serie A triumph, brings creativity and energy to Italy’s midfield. His ability to drive the team forward and create scoring opportunities will be vital for Italy’s success in the tournament. Despite the squad’s overall lack of star power, players like Barella offer a glimmer of hope, showcasing the potential for individual brilliance amidst a group of solid but unspectacular operators.

Italy’s Euro 2024 Prospects: Navigating the ‘Group of Death’

Italy’s path in Euro 2024 is fraught with challenges, starting with their placement in Group B, often dubbed the ‘Group of Death.’ This group features formidable opponents such as Spain and Croatia, along with the unpredictable Albania. Spain, with their rich footballing tradition, are the favorites to top the group, while Croatia’s tenacity and experience make them a tough competitor.

For Italy, securing a spot in the knockout stages may depend on more than just their on-field performances. With the competition in Group B expected to be fierce, Italy might need to rely on being one of the best third-placed teams to advance. The team’s recent form in qualifiers, where they finished six points behind England, underscores the challenges they face. However, if Italy can harness the grit and determination of their seasoned players and leverage the tactical acumen of Spalletti, they have the potential to navigate this treacherous group and make a deep run in the tournament.

ITALY’S EURO 2024 FIXTURES & SCHEDULE

Group B

Saturday, Jun 15: Italy v Albania, 8pm (Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund)
Thursday, Jun 20: Spain v Italy 8pm (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen)
Monday, Jun 24: Croatia v Italy 8pm (Leipzig Arena, Leipzig)