Who’s In, Who’s Out: Italy’s Squad Considerations for the European Championship
As Italy prepares to face stiff competition in the upcoming European Championship, Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini is busy deliberating over his squad selections. With a plethora of talent to choose from, here’s a rundown of who’s in and who’s out of the 24-man roster:
In: The Confirmed Starters
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) – Regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, Donnarumma’s experience and shot-stopping ability make him a certainty in the squad.
- Alessandro Florenzi (RB) – A utility player with a wealth of experience, Florenzi’s versatility and defensive acumen secure his spot in the XI.
- Alessandro Romagnoli (CB) – A dominant force in the heart of defense, Romagnoli’s aerial ability and passing range make him a key component of Italy’s backline.
- Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – A veteran of numerous international tournaments, Chiellini’s experience, leadership, and defensive prowess ensure his inclusion in the squad.
- Leonardo Spinazzola (LB) – A creative force on the left flank, Spinazzola’s attacking threat and defensive solidity make him a starter.
- Nicolo Barella (DM) – A box-to-box midfielder, Barella’s energy, vision, and tackling ability ensure a starting role.
- Gianluca Mancini (DM) – A physical presence in midfield, Mancini’s defensive as well as creative contributions seal his spot.
- Manuel Locatelli (AM) – A technically gifted playmaker, Locatelli’s vision and passing range make him a key component of Italy’s midfield.
- Domenico Berardi (RW) – A dynamic winger with pace and skill, Berardi’s creativity and goal-scoring threat guarantee his spot.
- Federico Chiesa (LWG) – A prolific goal-scorer and exciting attacking talent, Chiesa’s inclusion is a foregone conclusion.
Out: The Surprising Omissions
- Federico Bernardeschi (RW) – Despite his impressive form, Bernardeschi’s lack of consistency and competition from Berardi and Chiesa sees him dropped from the squad.
- Salvatore Sirigu (GK) – Although an excellent goalkeeper, Sirigu’s limited match experience and Donnarumma’s presence limit his opportunities.
- Federico Fazio (CB) – A solid defender, Fazio’s lack of international experience and the wealth of options at center-back see him left out of the squad.
- Lorenzo Pellegrini (AM) – A talented young player, Pellegrini’s inexperience at this level and the midfield options available to Mancini prompt his exclusion.
- Stefano Sensi (DM) – Despite his creative spark, Sensi’s defensive deficiencies and competition from Barella, Mancini, and Locatelli lead to his omission.
On the Bubble: The Uncertain Futures
- Matteo Politano (RW) – A winger with pace and skill, Politano’s form and a challenging selection process keep his spot uncertain.
- Ciro Immobile (ST) – Although a prolific goal-scorer, Immobile’s inconsistencies and the emergence of Chiesa and Berardi as attacking options leave his place up in the air.
- Andrea Conti (RB) – A skilled defender, Conti’s rehabilitation from injury and the presence of Florenzi and Spinazzola make his inclusion uncertain.
As the Azzurri prepare for their European Championship campaign, Mancini faces the daunting task of selecting the perfect 23-man roster. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the Italian coach will need to make some tough decisions to ensure his team is well-equipped to succeed at the tournament.
