Federico Dimarco, Andrea Cambiaso and Samuele Ricci are among the Italy players named as the stars of the Luciano Spalletti midfield ‘revolution’ after a disappointing run at the EURO 2024 tournament in Germany over the summer.
Italy bounced back well from the disappointment in Germany, recording a particularly encouraging 3-1 victory away against France in September, followed up by a 2-1 win over Israel. The Azzurri were held to a 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday, but played the entire second half with 10 men.
Though it is still early days, Spalletti and his team have gained praise for their performances since the EUROs, particularly for the coach’s changes in and around midfield.
Here are five Italy players with important roles to play at present and in the future.
Five Italy players starring in ‘Spalletti revolution’
Tuttosport wrote on Monday about the strength that Italy possess at wing-back. Federico Dimarco is considered as one of the best in the world in his position on the left, while Andrea Cambiaso is beginning to attract attention from some of the world’s biggest clubs.
Most of the focus centres around the midfield, where Luciano Spalletti has several exciting options to choose from. One of his most praised picks has been Samuele Ricci, who has started in all three of Italy’s last international fixtures.
Another is Nicolo Fagioli, whom Spalletti took to the EUROs despite playing practically no football in the season prior. His recent selections have also earned Spalletti credit, particularly given that he is not always a starter at club level.
Sandro Tonali is also considered part of the ‘Spalletti revolution’, as he was absent for the EUROs, but has since come back into the side and brought a much-needed bit of bite and strength to the Azzurri midfield.
Though Italy have other established options to choose from in midfield, namely Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi, there have been suggestions that Spalletti should look to byuild his future midfield around Tonali and Ricci.