Italy entered EURO 2024 with modest expectations, but few could have anticipated their dramatic decline in Germany: Football Italia evaluates Luciano Spalletti’s struggling squad and the coach’s performance.
Instead of laying the groundwork for the next World Cup, Italy’s European campaign last summer turned out to be largely disappointing. The Azzurri returned home after four underwhelming performances, necessitating yet another rebuilding phase.
Player Assessments
Gigio Donnarumma 8.5/10
The PSG goalkeeper was one of the few bright spots for Italy with 14 saves, including one from the penalty. Despite calls for his replacement, Donnarumma reaffirmed his status as a world-class player, preventing an even worse outcome for his team. Guglielmo Vicario remains on the sidelines for now.
Federico Di Marco 5/10
Coming off a strong season with Inter, Dimarco was expected to shine. However, he faltered early and never regained his form. He was far from his club’s success in Serie A and the Champions League.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo 4/10
The Napoli right-back endured a tough tournament, struggling with transfer rumours and losing his form. Once a reliable defender, Di Lorenzo was outplayed by Nico Williams and may see his international career winding down.
Jorginho 5/10
Initially providing order and quality, Jorginho was overwhelmed as the competition progressed. He maintained a 90% passing rate in the tournament, but many believe he was ineffective against Spain and Croatia and benched for the final match.
Riccardo Calafiori 8/10
Despite an own goal against Spain, the Bologna defender showed promise, forming a solid partnership with Alessandro Bastoni. He maintained a 92% successful passing rate in the tournament and recovered the ball 24 times.
His absence was keenly felt in the knockout match against Switzerland, where betting fans believe his presence could have made the difference. For those looking to bet on the Euro Cup finals, utilizing PrizePicks promotions can maximize their betting experience.
Lorenzo Pellegrini 4.5/10
Wearing the number 10 shirt, Pellegrini had a chance to impress but largely failed. He showed glimpses of skill but lacked the influence expected of him, potentially relegating him to a substitute role.
Nicolò Barella 6.5/10
An impressive strike against Albania was a highlight, but Barella, battling injuries, failed to replicate his club form. Despite this, he remains a crucial player for Italy.
Federico Chiesa 5/10
Chiesa’s struggles continued post-injury, with his performance marred by inconsistency. While showing occasional flashes of brilliance, he did not find his best position under Spalletti.
Alessandro Bastoni 7/10
Bastoni’s goal spurred a comeback against Albania, demonstrating his potential to be a key player for Italy. Though he struggled in the final game, his efforts were commendable, given his illness.
Gianluca Scamacca 4/10
Scamacca, who was hailed for scoring at Atalanta, failed to deliver. His hesitant and erratic play was a significant letdown, continuing Italy’s search for a reliable striker. Despite being Italy’s great goalscoring hope, he struggled to convert his chances, leaving his club form in Bergamo.
Andrea Cambiaso 5/10
The young Juventus full-back played for only 74 minutes, with a passing accuracy of 89%. He avoided major criticism but was largely ineffective. His brief appearances did not leave a lasting impact, and he needs to step up significantly to become a key player for Italy.
Bryan Cristante 4.5/10
The 29-year-old defensive midfielder from Roma fell short of expectations, particularly in the loss to Switzerland. His passing percentage was 89%, but he could not create an impact through his passes and failed to create key moves. Younger, more dynamic options may be preferred in the future.
Mateo Retegui 5.5/10
Retegui showed potential but did not make a strong case as a primary goalscorer. He might be suitable as a squad player but not a starter.
Matteo Darmian 5/10
Darmian’s versatility did not translate to impactful play, mirroring the underperformance of several Inter players. Italy may need to look beyond him.
Mattia Zaccagni 7/10
With his goal against Croatia, Zaccagni provided one of Italy’s few memorable moments. His lively play merits further attention.
Nicolò Fagioli 5/10
Fagioli’s selection was a gamble that did not pay off. While he struggled, he could remain a future asset as he regains form.
Stephan El Shaarawy 4/10
Starting against Switzerland, El Shaarawy’s lacklustre showing led to a halftime substitution. His potential seems a distant memory.
Conclusion
Italy’s campaign in Germany was marked by disappointment and underperformance, far from the team’s illustrious past successes. While some players like Gigio Donnarumma and Riccardo Calafiori showed promise, others struggled to meet expectations, highlighting a need for a tactical reassessment and a potential overhaul of the squad.
Coach Luciano Spalletti faces a challenge in revitalizing the team ahead of the World Cup. The mixed performances underscore the urgency for Italy to re-evaluate and rebuild, aiming to restore their former glory on the international stage.