Euro 2024: Italy's Preliminary Squad Features Mix Of Veterans & Newcomers
Euro 2024 :Gianluca Scamacca's exceptional end to the season has thrust him back into the spotlight, earning him a place in Italy's provisional squad for Euro 2024. Coach Luciano Spalletti, who had previously dropped Scamacca for disciplinary reasons, announced the roster on Thursday, including the prolific striker following his remarkable form.
Scamacca's Stellar Season with Atalanta
Since March, Scamacca has been on a tear, netting 11 goals and providing four assists across all competitions. His contributions were pivotal in Atalanta's historic Europa League triumph, which they secured on Wednesday. Scamacca's resurgence comes after a period of inconsistency and controversy, marked by Spalletti's earlier criticism about players 'playing on the PlayStation until four in the morning', widely seen as a veiled jab at the striker.
Spalletti's decision to recall Scamacca highlights the coach's pressing need to resolve Italy's long-standing striker dilemma. With Ciro Immobile, a key figure in Italy's Euro 2020 victory, now dropped due to inconsistent form, Scamacca's selection is seen as a fresh opportunity to rejuvenate Italy's attacking prowess.
Chiesa and Fagioli: Key Inclusions in a Revamped Squad
Scamacca won't be alone in Italy's forward line. Juventus star Federico Chiesa, known for his explosive pace and skill, is set to play a crucial role. Another surprising inclusion is Chiesa's teammate Nicolo Fagioli, who makes a comeback after a tumultuous season. Fagioli, who missed almost the entire season due to a seven-month ban for gambling on football matches, made his first appearance for Juventus since October just last Monday. His return to form and fitness has earned him a spot in Spalletti's provisional squad.
Fagioli's inclusion comes at the expense of Sandro Tonali, who has been left out following his involvement in the betting scandal. This controversy also cost Tonali his place at Newcastle United, marking a significant blow to his career.
A Blend of Experience and Youth in the Midfield
Spalletti's provisional squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, particularly in midfield. The coach has chosen to omit Marco Verratti, a mainstay in Italy's midfield for years, who has not been called up since Spalletti took over from Roberto Mancini last summer.
In Verratti's place, players like Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, and Lorenzo Pellegrini bring a blend of experience and dynamism. Younger talents such as Davide Frattesi and Samuele Ricci represent the future of Italy's midfield, aiming to make a significant impact on the international stage.
Defensive Solidity and Goalkeeping Options
Italy's defence remains robust, featuring stalwarts like Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, alongside emerging talents such as Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta. The defensive lineup is designed to provide both stability and flexibility, crucial for navigating the challenges of a major tournament.
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been a reliable presence for Italy, is expected to lead the goalkeeping unit. He is supported by Alex Meret, Ivan Provedel, and Guglielmo Vicario, ensuring depth and competition for the starting spot.
Preparing for the Tournament
Italy's preparations for Euro 2024 include pre-tournament friendlies against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina early next month. These matches will serve as crucial opportunities for Spalletti to fine-tune his tactics and finalise his squad. The final squad announcement is scheduled for June 6, just days before the tournament kicks off on June 14.
Italy has been drawn into Group B, where they will face formidable opponents Spain, Croatia, and Albania. This group stage promises to be challenging, but Spalletti's mix of experienced players and in-form newcomers like Scamacca could provide the spark Italy needs to advance.
Provisional list of players for Italy ahead of Euro 2024
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Alex Meret (Napoli), Ivan Provedel (Lazio), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham/ENG)
Defenders
Francesco Acerbi (Inter Milan), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Torino), Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino), Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Inter Milan), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta)
Midfielders
Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus), Michael Folorunsho (Verona), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Jorginho (Arsenal/ENG), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Samuele Ricci (Torino)
Forwards
Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Mateo Retegui (Genoa), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)
Scamacca's Stellar Season with Atalanta
Since March, Scamacca has been on a tear, netting 11 goals and providing four assists across all competitions. His contributions were pivotal in Atalanta's historic Europa League triumph, which they secured on Wednesday. Scamacca's resurgence comes after a period of inconsistency and controversy, marked by Spalletti's earlier criticism about players 'playing on the PlayStation until four in the morning', widely seen as a veiled jab at the striker.
Spalletti's decision to recall Scamacca highlights the coach's pressing need to resolve Italy's long-standing striker dilemma. With Ciro Immobile, a key figure in Italy's Euro 2020 victory, now dropped due to inconsistent form, Scamacca's selection is seen as a fresh opportunity to rejuvenate Italy's attacking prowess.
Chiesa and Fagioli: Key Inclusions in a Revamped Squad
Scamacca won't be alone in Italy's forward line. Juventus star Federico Chiesa, known for his explosive pace and skill, is set to play a crucial role. Another surprising inclusion is Chiesa's teammate Nicolo Fagioli, who makes a comeback after a tumultuous season. Fagioli, who missed almost the entire season due to a seven-month ban for gambling on football matches, made his first appearance for Juventus since October just last Monday. His return to form and fitness has earned him a spot in Spalletti's provisional squad.
Fagioli's inclusion comes at the expense of Sandro Tonali, who has been left out following his involvement in the betting scandal. This controversy also cost Tonali his place at Newcastle United, marking a significant blow to his career.
A Blend of Experience and Youth in the Midfield
Spalletti's provisional squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, particularly in midfield. The coach has chosen to omit Marco Verratti, a mainstay in Italy's midfield for years, who has not been called up since Spalletti took over from Roberto Mancini last summer.
In Verratti's place, players like Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, and Lorenzo Pellegrini bring a blend of experience and dynamism. Younger talents such as Davide Frattesi and Samuele Ricci represent the future of Italy's midfield, aiming to make a significant impact on the international stage.
Defensive Solidity and Goalkeeping Options
Italy's defence remains robust, featuring stalwarts like Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, alongside emerging talents such as Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta. The defensive lineup is designed to provide both stability and flexibility, crucial for navigating the challenges of a major tournament.
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been a reliable presence for Italy, is expected to lead the goalkeeping unit. He is supported by Alex Meret, Ivan Provedel, and Guglielmo Vicario, ensuring depth and competition for the starting spot.
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Preparing for the Tournament
Italy's preparations for Euro 2024 include pre-tournament friendlies against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina early next month. These matches will serve as crucial opportunities for Spalletti to fine-tune his tactics and finalise his squad. The final squad announcement is scheduled for June 6, just days before the tournament kicks off on June 14.
Italy has been drawn into Group B, where they will face formidable opponents Spain, Croatia, and Albania. This group stage promises to be challenging, but Spalletti's mix of experienced players and in-form newcomers like Scamacca could provide the spark Italy needs to advance.
Provisional list of players for Italy ahead of Euro 2024
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Alex Meret (Napoli), Ivan Provedel (Lazio), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham/ENG)
Defenders
Francesco Acerbi (Inter Milan), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Torino), Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino), Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Inter Milan), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta)
Midfielders
Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus), Michael Folorunsho (Verona), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Jorginho (Arsenal/ENG), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Samuele Ricci (Torino)
Forwards
Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Mateo Retegui (Genoa), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)
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