Italy and the title dream: “Ready for strong opponents”

Austria or Ukraine, Belgium and then France: According to the media in the country, the possible path to the European Championship final at Wembley Stadium is already clear for Italy's national football team before the end of the group phase. But while the newspapers are busy with the opponents in the knockout phase, Roberto Mancini's team is concentrating on the final group game against Wales on Sunday (18.00 p.m.). “We are in the round of XNUMX, now we want to win the group,” captain Giorgio Chiellini told uefa.com. “Then we’ll see.” One point would be enough for first place in Group A.

The team is not concerned about the fact that the path to the final could be easier with second place in the preliminary round. “We play to win. That’s our principle, we stick to it,” said Mancini. Striker Andrea Belotti added: “It’s normal for stronger teams to come. But it’s going to happen one way or another.” Italy has long been one of the favorites The second European title after 1968 seems possible for the Squadra Azzurra after the rousing performances in the preliminary round. In any case, the team is not afraid of duels with big teams. “There will be more difficult games and stronger opponents, but we are ready,” said Chiellini. Offensive player Federico Chiesa added: “We are at a point where we don’t have to be afraid of teams like that, on the contrary, we want to play against them.” But how big is the chance of winning the title, and what are their strengths and weaknesses so far such a strong Italian team?

Italy's players have caused a wave of euphoria. © POOL / RICCARDO ANTIMIANI

SQUAD: If you compare the market values of the European Championship participants, it should be enough for Italy to reach the quarter-finals at most. A big star is missing from the team, professionals like Domenico Berardi or Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo are largely unknown internationally. But what was already emphasized before the tournament has been proven by the performances so far: Italian strength lies in team spirit, Mancini has given the team structure and a plan. “There is a positive energy in the team that goes beyond the 11 players on the field,” Chiellini said. “This team develops from game to game.”

BALANCE: The Azzurri appear to be equally strong in all positions, even beyond the first eleven. There is no player in the squad who cannot be replaced. “There is a great balance. Everyone who comes into the team can contribute well,” said Chiellini, who will probably miss the game against Wales injured and will therefore have a break like a number of regular players. Mancini could change his starting eleven in six to seven positions - it is eagerly awaited to see how the replacement team performs. “We need fresh players,” said the 56-year-old Mancini, who also announced a comeback for the long-injured Marco Verratti.

TRAINER: Mancini's big part in the success is undisputed. The 56-year-old took over the team at its lowest point after missing the 2018 World Cup, formed an eleven made up of experienced veterans and young talents and established a new offensive style. The team has been unbeaten under him for 29 games, most recently with ten wins in a row with 31-0 goals. But Mancini said that the defensive strength for which Italy was long known was just as important to him: “Defense is always fundamental. But there needs to be a balance. We tried to change the mentality and play more offensively.”

HISTORY: Having already secured their place in the round of 2016, Italy went into the last preliminary round game at the 0 European Championships. The coach at the time, Antonio Conte, rotated and the team promptly lost 1-XNUMX to Ireland. However, this had no impact on the rest of the tournament: Italy won the round of XNUMX against Spain and only lost to Germany on penalties in the quarter-finals. The current team has not planned to dampen the mood at the end of the preliminary round anyway: “We want to play well and win,” announced Mancini.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Italy and the title dream: “Ready for strong opponents”

Italy stands for beautiful football and success at this European Championship. According to fans, the mix of veterans and talent should lead the Azzurri to the European Championship final. But compared to the big tournament favorites, the Squadra Azzurra is missing one thing in particular.

Suggestions

Comments (0)