Italy – Squad, fixtures, odds and predictions

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Italy: Euro 2024 Overview

Italy are in Group B alongside Spain, Croatia and Albania

Italy look a shadow of the side who won Euro 2020. They were stuck in pot four for the draw, down to finishing behind England in the group. They are still reeling from a failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and are looking to rebuild. During this process they can take comfort from their win in 2020 and some of their Nations League performances. They will hope to get out of the group, however, their main aim will be to use this competition as they aim to develop into a side who can qualify for and be competitive in tournaments once again over the next few years.

There are signs that they are starting to get things right under Luciano Spalletti, who replaced the man who guided them to success in the summer of 2021, Roberto Mancini. In addition, judging by performances in UEFA club competitions, such as the Champions League, Serie A appears to be getting stronger, which should be good for the long-term future of the national team.

For further details on Euro 2024 as a whole check out our tournament preview.

How Italy qualified for the Euros

Italy finished second in qualifying Group with four wins, two draws and two defeats. They were six points behind England and finished level with Ukraine, however, Italy’s superior head-to-head record and goal difference condemned the Ukrainians to the play-offs.

Italy Euro 2024 Squad

As they did under Mancini, under Spalletti Italy usually line up in a 4-3-3 formation, however, are capable for switching shape in and out of possession. The team often press high in an effort to win the ball back early. Some of their winning squad from Euro 2020 are still around. Nicolo Barella, Marco Verratti and Jorginho are key men in midfield, Giovanni De Lorenzo is likely to play at right-back, while Ciro Immobile and Federico Chiesa are still around in attack. Gianluigi Donnarumma will keep goal.

Key Players 

Donnarumma’s fundamental goalkeeping skills are excellent. His physical attributes, such as his large frame and reach, and agility are major advantages. He is composed, a good commincator and a great shot stopper with excellent reactionss, who is great in 1 v 1 situations. Handily for tournament football he is also effective at stopping penalties.

Known for his technical ability, work rate, and creativity, Barella is recognised as one of the best midfielders in the world. Possessing good vision and passing ability, he is known for his eye for goal, possesses a good shot from outside the area, and is known for his ability to make late attacking runs from deep into the penalty area. Barella made his debut for the Italy senior side on 10 October 2018, under Mancini, in a 1–1 friendly draw against Ukraine in Genoa.

Immobile remains a key man at 34 years of age. He is an allround forward, capable of providing goals and assists. Although primarily a main striker, Immobile is capable of playing anywhere along the front-line. Immobile is quick and is known for his offensive movement off the ball, as well as his ability to make attacking runs and exploit space.[He often drifts wide or drops deeper to link up the play. His finishing is a strength and he is effective in the air. Immobile works hard out of possession and is a good presser. His minutes may have to be managed this tournament, but he could still be an important player for Italy.

Chiesa is capable of playing anywhere across the forward line. He is a talented, fast, skillful, and hardworking player, with good technique. He usually plays as a winger. He can create chances for others and has proved to be a very good finisher himself.

Italy Odds at Euro 2024

At the time of writing, Italy are 16/1 to retain the tournament and 4/1 to win Group B with bet365, I feel that the bookies have got things right. Croatia are still a good side, but, while they have some good young players coming through, a lot of their key players are aging. Croatia are an obvious danger to Italy progressing

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Italy Euro 2024 Fixtures

These are the fixtures for Group B, with Italy’s matches highlighted, along with the pòtential dates for the knockout stages:

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