Underdogs Italy ready to reprise Euro surprise

Defending champions Italy come into Euro 2024 without the weight of the favourites tag hanging over them but in major tournaments they can never be written off, if they can progress from a challenging group.

Italy went into Euro 2020 having failed to qualify for the previous World Cup, and they come into this year’s tournament in the same situation, but under Luciano Spalletti they are ready to put the past behind them in a bid to repeat the glory days.

Unlike last time when they strolled through their qualification group for Euro 2020 with 10 wins out of 10, this time their participation was at risk until the final game.

Italy defeated England on penalties to win the previous Euros but when they came up against the same opponents in qualifying the Italians lost both meetings, and a 0-0 draw with Ukraine meant they scraped through and avoided the playoffs.

Italy’s struggles in qualification placed them as bottom seeds in the draw, and they ended up in probably the toughest group, alongside Spain, Croatia and Albania in Group B.

Spalletti, who led Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990 last season, took over as manager when Roberto Mancini resigned in August 2023.

He did not have time to make dramatic changes, needing instead to focus on results and qualification but, with maintaining an attacking positive attitude, he set about rekindling team spirit.

Italy’s main problem lately has been up front, leading to the call-up of Argentine-born Mateo Retegui. Though the 25-year-old has netted four times in his six appearances, he may not be a guarantee on the big stage.

The main goal threat in qualifying came from midfield, with Davide Frattesi their leading scorer with three goals, but a return to form for Gianluca Scamacca may give Italian fans reason to be cheerful.

Scamacca had a disappointing stint at West Ham United last season but has shone on his return to Italy with Atalanta, and his two goals against Liverpool in the Europa League quarterfinals reminded people just what a talent he can be.

Spalletti will rely on quite a few of Inter Milan’s Scudetto-winning side. Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni are likely to start in defence, with Francesco Darmian and Francesco Acerbi also available.

In midfield, Frattesi can hopefully continue his scoring form and Nicolo Barella will be the man Italy rely on to play a leading role, contributing in attack and defence.

Federico Chiesa was one of Italy’s best players when they won Euro 2020 and Italy will hope he can make a return to form for the national side after an injury-hit, inconsistent season at Juventus.

Italy kicked off Euro 2020 with a 3-0 win over Turkey and will need another bright start when they play Albania in their opening game, before they face the more fancied Spain and Croatia.

The four best third-placed teams will progress, with the top two in each group, so there is a good chance Italy will still be involved in the knockout stages. At that point, Italy are as good as anyone at grinding out a result.

Reuters