Six key Italy players and one dilemma ahead of Euro 2024

La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights six key Italy players at Euro 2024 but notes that the Azzurri’s system remains uncertain ahead of their debut against Albania.

Italy will make their Euro 2024 debut on June 15 against Albania and Spalletti named his final 26-man squad list on Thursday.

Friday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, on page 18, analyses Spalletti’s picks, highlighting that the CT will shape his team around six key players: captain Gigio Donnarumma, plus Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella, Jorginho, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluca Scamacca.

Six key Italy players and one dilemma ahead of Euro 2024

The CT seemed convinced to switch to a three-man defence for the Euros, but injuries to Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini may force him to change his plans.

Spalletti has been using different systems in preparation for Euro 2024. He started an international friendly against Turkey on Tuesday with a 4-2-3-1 formation, but he switched to a 3-5-2 system the following day against Italy U20.

The Azzurri boss has been working on different setups at Coverciano, but the principles are always the same: high pressing and trying to dominate possession.

Arrigo Sacchi said Spalletti’s task wouldn’t be easy but urged the fans and media not to put pressure on the Azzurri.

One more concern for La Nazionale is Barella’s fitness. On Friday, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said that the Azzurri are’ a bit concerned’ about the Inter star, who missed Tuesday’s friendly against Turkey with a minor injury.

Italy will play again on Sunday, hosting Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Stadio Castellani in Empoli.