It has been a rollercoaster ride on the international scene for Italy over the last few years as the Azzurri went from surprisingly winning the European Championships in 2020 to shockingly missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Azzurri are now under the tutelage of Luciano Spalletti after Roberto Mancini quit his job as head coach to take over the Saudi national team but unfortunately do not boast the same array of talents they had when they conquered the continent four years ago.
As Italy set out to defend their crown in Germany, Soccernet.football takes a look at some of the players who could step up and help The Azzurri pull off yet another surprise.
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7. Riccardo Calafiori
The 22-year-old was a revelation for Bologna this past season, emerging as one of Serie A’s standout defenders with consistently impressive performances for the Rossoblu.
Calafiori possesses all the attributes of a top defender at such a young age. He is strong in tackles, dominant in the air and most importantly, he’s very good on the ball.
The young defender may have to settle for a backup role in Germany but could also get the chance to impress and stamp his name in Italy’s starting lineup.
6. Alessandro Bastoni
Bastoni was fantastic for Serie A champions Inter Milan this past season. He played a crucial role as the Nerazzurri kept the highest number of shutouts and also conceded the least number of goals in Italy’s top-flight.
The 25-year-old defender is easily Italy’s best center-back heading into the Euros, especially with the absence of Fransesco Acerbi from the squad due to injury.
The Serie A winner will have to be at the top of his game in Germany if The Azzurri are to have a chance of going far in the tournament.
5. Federico Dimarco
The 26-year-old defender also impressed for Inter Milan this past campaign, making 11 goal contributions across 30 appearances for the Nerazzurri as they coasted to their 20th Scudetto.
Dimarco, a dynamic wing-back, is essential for the team in both ends of the pitch should definitely be starting every one of the Azzurri’s matches when the tournament commences.
Whether Spalletti decides to set up a three or four-man defense, the Inter defender will certainly have a crucial role to play for his nation in Germany.
4. Nicolo Barella
Barella was another star of Italian champions Inter Milan this past season. He featured heavily for the Nerazzurri as they marched to Serie A glory.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who is capable of playing in either the defensive or central midfield positions, will be a very important member of the Azzurri setup in Germany.
However Spalletti sets up his side in Germany, It is expected that Barella will feature alongside Jorginho at the base of Italy’s midfield.
3. Lorenzo Pellegrini
The Roma skipper looked like a rejuvenated player under Daniele De Rossi, starring as the Giallorossi mounted an impressive resurgence in the second half of the season.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder should be very involved for the Azzurri in Germany given the kind of form we witnessed from him in the latter stages of this past campaign.
Pellegrini will be heading into the competition with a lot of confidence and he will be looking to replicate the levels he displayed for Roma at the Euros.
2. Gianluca Scamacca
The 27-year-old center-forward enjoyed fine form for Atalanta towards the end of the 2023/2024 campaign, putting up a performance to remember against Liverpool at Anfield in the Europa League semi-final.
Scamacca registered 27 goal contributions across 44 appearances for Atalanta and he will be looking to carry his form into the tournament as Italy look to try and defend their title in Germany.
The Europa League winner will be crucial for the Azzurri when the competition gets underway as he is set to be the focal point of Spalletti’s front line.
1. Federico Chiesa
Italy’s golden boy at the last European Championships will be hoping to fire his nation to another continental success, but even he will admit that the odds are against them this year.
Chiesa endured a difficult season with Juventus but managed a decent personal return, scoring 10 goals and providing 3 assists across 37 appearances.
The Azzurri will need the 26-year-old winger to rekindle the form he displayed in the last Euros if they are to stand any chance of withstanding the competition that awaits in Germany.
