Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has announced his thirty-man squad for Euro 2024, leaving out key players from the team that won the title in 2021. The squad includes three uncapped players – Ivan Provedel, Michael Folorunsho, and Riccardo Calafiori – with four players set to be cut before the tournament begins.
The squad features a mix of experience and new talent, with a total of 560 combined international appearances. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been named captain, based on seniority and his heroics during the Euro 2020 final. The squad also includes players like Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella, and Federico Chiesa.
Spalletti has included six players from Inter Milan’s title-winning side, with some newcomers expected to challenge for starting spots. The squad boasts a strong midfield, with only three players remaining from the Euro 2020 winning team. Some controversial selections include Nicolò Fagioli, who recently returned from a ban, and Torino’s Samuele Ricci.
Veteran players like Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti have been left out in favor of younger talent. Spalletti has chosen to include players like Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui, who have shown consistent performances at their club level. The squad also features players like El Shaarawy, Orsolini, and Scamacca, who will be crucial in providing goals for Italy.
Spalletti faces a challenge in finding the right balance between experienced players and newcomers in his squad. With only 12 players having more than 20 international caps, the team will need to come together quickly to mount a successful title defense. The coach will have to make decisions on tactics and formations in the lead-up to the tournament.
As Italy prepares for Euro 2024, Spalletti will have to make some tough decisions on finalizing his squad and preparing for upcoming friendlies. The team will need to build on their past success and find a way to replicate the cohesiveness that led them to victory in 2021. With a mix of talent and strategy, Italy will look to make a strong defense of their title under Spalletti’s leadership.
