An industrious and ingenious Italy won the final and swept all before them at Euro 2020. But what does the future hold for the Azzuri?
Italian Job Completed at Euro 2020 Final
Italian Steel Steals the Show
When the dust settles and emotions are removed, it will be clear that the best team in the tournament has collected the cup.
The Italians were unbeaten in two years coming into the competition. They remained undefeated for a streak of 34 games without defeat tells all the story you need to know.
Italy were that good and demonstrated it time and time again. They conquered some big names along the way from the most difficult side of the draw. Italy saw off Belgium, Spain and finally England. It was no fluke and Italy are worthy winners from Wembley.
Their collective spirit, unity, organisation and heart gave them the overall edge. Even when they were not at their best against Austria and Spain, Italy found a way, as a champion team does.
From Disaster to Triumph
The job Roberto Mancini has done is incredible in turning his nation’s fortunes around. Just three years ago, Italy were dumped out of the World Cup play-offs by Sweden. They watched on with that famous nation anthem absent at the 2018 World Cup.
A lot of soul searching was to take place with many changes in the corridors of power. But the road to redemption was set in motion by the appointment of Mancini.
His experience, steel and class gradually turned around the artic wagon 180 degrees to set the wheels in motion for a road to recovery and ultimate title joy.
His master plan was to implement a freshness by bringing in the likes of Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne and give more importance to Jorginho, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.
Those defensive stalwarts of some 70 years gave the Italians the backbone required to mix steel with silk. That helped to blend a new generation of talent allied to their grit, determination and colossal experience.
It was a plan which has come to fruition in a spectacular way with Italy back to their finest. But what does their future hold?
Italy to Continue Riding the Wave of Dominance After Euro 2020 Final
Italy have the tools, the experience and the confirmation with winning Euro 2020 that the nation can continue to dominate the international scene.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is Italy’s outright number one and covers the side for another generation just like his namesake Buffon.
The warriors of Chiellini and Bonucci won’t be around for too long but look primed for a crack at the World Cup next year.
The form of Leonardo Spinazzola was another huge plus for Italy at the back. In midfield, the Azzuri have the creativity with Jorginho, Marco Verratti and Nicolo Barella. They have the outstanding talent of Nicolo Zaniolo to count on too.
Upfront Italy will prove to be a menace with the likes of Insigne, Ciro Immobile and Chiesa troubling the top sides left, right and centre. With Mancini at the helm, Italy have a balance, solid and robust nation that can aspire to lift the World Cup.
Italy did a number on all the nations at Euro 2020. Their number of 34 games unbeaten could stretch further in the future.
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