Italy Prepares for Euro 2024: Can They Defend Their Title?
Introduction:
The enduring image of Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli embracing as Italy celebrated victory at Wembley Stadium on 11 July, 2021 will forever be etched in the minds of the nation. It was the culmination of an extraordinary project designed to set the national team on a new path. Three years have gone by and Italy have sadly lost Vialli to pancreatic cancer, failed to qualify for yet another World Cup and Mancini has departed after five years as manager.
A New Coach Takes Charge:
With qualification for Euro 2024 on the line, Italy appointed Luciano Spalletti, the man who had just led Napoli to the Serie A title after a 33-year wait. The 65-year-old insisted he had left Napoli to enjoy some much-needed rest on his Tuscan farm but when the Azzurri came calling, he could not refuse. To coach the national team was a dream come true and the tactician was thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to guide his country forward.
Qualifying Challenges:
Qualifying for the tournament was not easy as Italy only clinched second place in Group C, behind England, with a goalless draw against Ukraine in the final game. They have since had the misfortune of being placed in the group of death at Euro 2024 alongside heavyweights Spain, experienced Croatia, and dark horses Albania.
Lacking Star Power:
Italy will arrive in Germany fully aware that despite being the reigning champions, they are far from favorites to win the competition again. Void of world-class players and a true identity, Spalletti is hoping the strength of the collective, coupled with Italy’s history at international tournaments, will help push them forward. “I don’t see top-class players except [Gianluigi] Donnarumma in goal,” said Carlo Ancelotti when asked about his country’s chances at Euro 2024.
Spalletti’s Tactical Approach:
Famous for being one of Italy’s finest tacticians, Spalletti was always complimented for his teams’ style of play but criticized for his inability to win trophies. Winning the Scudetto with Napoli while playing the most captivating brand of football in Europe finally earned him the respect he deserved. However, he has not had much time at the helm of this Azzurri side to design the perfect set-up that would extract the quality of these younger individuals. Ideally, he wants a team that can adapt easily to the opponent and can play with either three or four men at the back.
Challenges in Friendlies:
Throughout the qualifiers, Spalletti’s Italy always started in a 4-3-3 formation, but in the friendlies since, he has largely toyed with a three-man backline that has not always produced the best results, including leaving the team vulnerable to the counter-attack. Against Turkey in a recent friendly that finished goalless, the players looked confused, as if overloaded with too many instructions. The worry is Spalletti will overcomplicate matters on a tactical level when simplicity almost always succeeds in tournament football.
The Importance of Nicolo Barella:
While Italy may lack star power, midfielder Nicolo Barella is considered the star of the team. Combining stamina and technique, Barella is tactically intelligent and highly regarded for his ability to transition defense to attack. His presence will be of utmost importance as Italy’s midfield looks to have weakened, with many questioning how well the side can control the ball. He has had a minor injury scare, but Spalletti seems certain Barella will be available and fit for the start of the tournament.
Gianluca Scamacca’s Potential:
Up top, all eyes will be on Gianluca Scamacca, who Spalletti recently described as lazy. However, with a brilliant second half of the campaign for Atalanta, Scamacca has shown potential as a deadly finisher. Italy has not produced a player of his caliber for some time, and if he can perform for the country as he has done for his club, the Azzurri might have finally addressed their biggest weakness.
Conclusion:
Italy’s chances at Euro 2024 may not be as strong as in previous tournaments, but they possess a united, hard-working team that will fight for results. Under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti, the Azzurri hope to overcome their lack of star power and tactical challenges to defend their title. With players like Nicolo Barella and Gianluca Scamacca stepping up, Italy aims to surprise the footballing world once again.