UEFA Euros 2024 Previews: Italy

UEFA Euros 2024 Previews: Italy

UEFA Euro 2024 is just weeks away from kicking off in Germany. Over the next 17 days, we will be previewing each team that will be taking part in Europe’s biggest football tournament. Check out all of the team previews that have been done so far. Up next are two-time Euro winners: Italy!

Winning the 2020 Euros, the Italians will look to defend their title. While winning the Euros, Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Could this have been some curse? Maybe. Italy will face off against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina in friendlies to prepare for the competition. Italy is currently ranked 9th in the latest FIFA rankings heading into the 2024 Euros. Let’s see if the team can bring another title “Back Rome.”

Euro Appearances

The Italians have featured in the last seven euros, winning one and being the runner-up in the 2000 and 2012 iterations of the competition. The worst placement for Italy in the past seven Euros was in 1996 and 2004 when the Italians got knocked out in the group stage.

Best Finish at Euros

As mentioned earlier, the Italians have won the Euros twice. Winning the third edition of the tournament back in 1968. The last Euros in 2020 also being won by the Italian national team in a penalty shoot-out against England.

Key Players

Since winning the Euros in 2020, Italy will have multiple players from that winning squad make a return to the team. Starting goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is returning to the squad after winning the Euros at 22 years old, who made two saves in the penalty shootout against England. Other returning players to the squad are winger Federico Chiesa, midfielder Jorginho, defender Alessandro Bastoni, right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo and others. With the experience from winning the most recent Euros, it gives the Italian national team an advantage heading into the tournament.

Manager

Former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti will lead the Italian national team heading into the Euros. Spalletti led Napoli to its first league championship for the first time in 33 years. Having also managed AS Roma and Russian Premier League club Zenit. In his time coaching in Europe, Spalletti has won eight pieces of hardware, bringing valuable experience to the team.

Biggest Game — vs Spain on June 20th

Spain will be Italy’s toughest opponent in the group stage. While it is a tough game, this game could end in a draw. Italy is lucky to face off against Albania in the opening group-stage matchup. Get the easy win and then worry about the next game, instead of worrying about the opening match immediately. While Croatia is no easy walk in the park, they don’t hold up to Spain. The Spaniards are stacked in every position and would provide the 2020 Euro champions a harder time.

Prediction

Italy will top group B and proceed to the knockout rounds of the Euros. Facing Scotland in the round of 16 in an easy victory. In the quarterfinals, in my prediction, Italy will face off against Germany. One of the most stacked teams in the tournament. I see Germany ending Italy’s Euro journey in the quarterfinals.

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