Italy’s National Team: A Work in Progress, But with Promising Signs
The Italian national team, the Azzurri, have been through a tumultuous period in recent years. With a series of disappointing results and a managerial merry-go-round, Italian football fans have been left wondering what the future holds for their beloved team. However, despite the challenges, there are glimpses of hope that a new era is unfolding.
Roberto Mancini’s departure in 2018 marked the end of an era for the Italian national team. The former Sampdoria and Manchester City manager had led the team to two European Championship finals, including a victory in 2006, and had established a strong group of players that could build upon. However, his departure led to a power struggle, with several managerial rotations, resulting in a lack of stability and continuity for the team.
The subsequent managerial changes failed to produce the desired results, with Italy failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, their first since 1958. The team’s fortunes improved marginally under Gian Piero Gasperini and then Giampiero Ventura, but they still struggled to find consistency and cohesion.
Enter the current manager, Luigi Di Biagio, who took the reins in 2018. A pragmatic and tactical-minded coach, Di Biagio has tried to instill a sense of discipline and organization into the team. He has relied on a mixture of experienced players like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Giorgio Chiellini, while also giving opportunities to younger players like Nicolò Zaniolo and Federico Chiesa.
The team’s early signs are promising. They have recorded three consecutive wins in the UEFA Nations League, including a thrilling 3-1 victory over Portugal, and are currently sitting top of their group. This run has not only boosted morale but has also given the team confidence, with Di Biagio eager to build upon this momentum.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the team’s resurgence is the emergence of young talents like Zaniolo, Chiesa, and Nicolò Barella. These players, along with others like Domenico Berardi and Federico Fazio, are beginning to form a core group that can be the foundation for future success. The team’s attacking flair, which had been lacking in previous years, is now starting to shine through, with the midfield trio of Barella, Jorginho, and Bryan Cristante offering creativity and balance.
Italy’s defense, still cautious and organized, remains a work in progress. However, the addition of experienced leaders like Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci has helped to shore up the backline, while the emergence of Alessio Romagnoli and Gianluca Mancini has provided welcome depth and competition.
While there are still challenges ahead, particularly in the highly competitive European Championship qualifiers, there are tantalizing hints that Italy are slowly rediscovering their winning spirit. The team’s new generation is starting to gel, and Di Biagio’s tactical acumen is helping to maximize their strengths. The Azzurri may not be the most talented team on paper, but they are showing signs of resilience, character, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
As the team gears up for their upcoming qualifying campaign, fans will be eager to see the signs of progress continue. With Di Biagio at the helm, Italy may not be favorites to win the 2020 European Championships or future tournaments, but they are undoubtedly moving in the right direction. The journey to success is still long and arduous, but the promising signs from the current group suggest that the Italian national team is slowly, but surely, back on the path to success.