European Championship success could be achieved again this year by Italy, a nation with one Euro title to their name already. The squad is looking strong in defence, patchy in midfield and potentially exciting but realistically inconsistent up top. Their qualification was an overall success, although it was edged with disappointment. Recent friendlies have compounded worries that the players aren’t capable of making their nation proud once again. However, there is still hope for the Azzurri if they can step up their performances.
Euro 2016: Italy Preview
Qualifying
Italy were unbeaten in their qualifying rounds, topping
Group H, after confirming their qualification with one match to spare. However, coach
Antonio Conte has
downplayed his team’s chances, claiming that his team are outsiders at best for the tournament. The team performances have been less than convincing, only narrowly edging out
Malta 2-0 over the two matches and even struggling against the likes of
Azerbaijan.
Friendlies
Out of the last six international friendlies, Italy have only won two matches. They have continued to disappoint, especially with defeats to Germany and Belgium 4-1 and 3-1 respectively. The defeat at Belgium is particularly important, as the Azzurri face them again in their group, along with Sweden and the Republic of Ireland. Euro 2016 success can still be attained if they step up their performances.
Possible Line-Up
Based on their recent friendlies and qualifying, Italy are likely to use a 3-5-2 formation.
In goal, Gianluigi Buffon is sure to start. The 38-year-old veteran provides a wealth of experience but also retains his fantastic goalkeeping ability. He will marshal a back three that will consist of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini. Not a single member of the back four are under 30 years of age, exuding valuable experience. All three centre-backs are strong physically and technically and will prove to be hard to break down.
On the wings of the midfield, Antonio Candreva and Alessandro Florenzi could start. Both are physically gifted, with speed and strength. Service into the box is almost guaranteed with the crossing ability of both players. However, Florenzi can also operate in central midfield and so Matteo Darmian may fill his role instead. This is a more defensive option, which would further strengthen the defence.
The three central midfielders could form many combinations. One player that is sure to start is Daniele De Rossi who has 103 caps, making him the most experienced midfielder. Other midfielders that may start with him include Florenzi and Emanuele Giaccherini. Giaccherini can be used almost anywhere across the midfield, but has recently been favoured as the attacking midfielder. He may not be brilliantly gifted, but is incredibly hard working with boundless energy. Tirelessly making runs, he’ll aim to outwork the opposition grafting to create Italy Euro 2016 success the hard way.
Ciro Immobile provides the first of Italy’s two strikers. He is quick, a good finisher and works hard to create chances. During his loan spell at Torino, he scored five goals in twelve Serie A appearances. His partner could be Simone Zaza. He is very strong in the air and holds up the ball well. This could be ideal for assisting Immobile and advancing midfielders, adding to their goal tally.
Key players
Stephan El Shaarawy has fantastic technical ability and is one of the most exciting Italian players on his day. If on top form, he will prove to be a defenders nightmare, with his ability to beat a man in addition to his decent crossing ability. His goalscoring form has been variable with eight goals in 16 games for Roma in Serie A.
Leonardo Bonucci is the jewel in the crown of the defence. Whilst his defending is absolutely impeccable due to his strength on the ground or in the air, he is also a good ball-playing centre-back. This is important because they can retain possession to start a counter-attack. He was one of the reasons why Juventus only conceded 20 goals in their Serie A title triumph.
Daniele De Rossi is perhaps travelling past his peak going into the tournament, but he still remains a complete midfielder. They must make the most of his ability to create Italy Euro 2016 success. He performs a key role as a holding midfielder and has all the necessary attributes of tackling, interceptions and the ability to distribute the ball well.
