Roberto Mancini’s Italy return to action this evening against Bulgaria and Giancarlo Rinaldi takes a look at how the Azzurri squad has changed since their European triumph this summer.
They came, they saw, they conquered – and now they have to do it all again. Nobody knows better than Roberto Mancini, from his Italy playing days, what it means to be constantly on trial. Winning the European Championship was great, but it will quickly be forgotten if his Azzurri slip up in the World Cup qualification tests ahead.
He will build his challenge, of course, on the squad which saw off England to lift the trophy in glorious fashion at Wembley. A tried and tested group faces a triple test over the next few days, which could see them set a record undefeated run in international football. Bulgaria, Switzerland and Lithuania, of course, will have other ideas.
But as well as the boys of summer, he will welcome back a crop of stars who might well have sparkled at the Euros but for injury. Nicolò Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Stefano Sensi were all denied their opportunity to shine for their country but are back in the fold. It is an impressive trio of energy and invention for him to add to a group that has already proved itself the best in Europe. Now a global challenge beckons.
That’s a lovely position to be in with all three still having – hopefully – their best years to come for the Nazionale. It gives strength in depth to the Italy midfield that they will need if they hope to complete a unique double, thanks to the quirk of a Covid tournament delay. Could they be the first country to win Euros and World Cup in consecutive years?
As well as showing faith in his recovering recruits, Mancio has also gone back to some names who were in the mix for a place in his triumphant squad. Cristiano Biraghi, Moise Kean and Gianluca Mancini were all in the running before he settled on his final selections. Loyalty has been a hallmark of his reign and they offer a nice variety of youth and experience between them. He would have shown faith in Manuel Lazzari too, but Davide Calabria came in to replace the Lazio man who picked up an injury after Mancini’s call-up.
There has been room for a couple of mildly more surprising picks, too as he looks to keep things fresh. Pierluigi Gollini – now of Tottenham Hotspur – sweeps past the injured Alessio Cragno as a fourth-choice keeper. That is a sign of the quality available at that position which should ensure the Italy boss sleeps so soundly that he can still wake up without a hair out of place.
A little more left-field choice is the inclusion of Gianluca Scamacca to bolster his attacking options. However, those who have studied the coach’s operations in recent years will have noted he is not averse to rolling a dice or two. The young hitman has looked sharp at Under 21 level and he will be keen to give him a try in full international football. Some will see a hint that he is still seeking a striker who can lead the line and consistently deliver goals. That door remains an open one.
It is definitely evolution rather than evolution, but that was always likely to be the case on the back of Euro success. Italy have added more quality and class to a squad that has already shown its worth. The challenge, of course, is to merge these talents into what has shown itself to be a fine group of players. Nobody can doubt that if anyone can achieve it, it is probably Roberto Mancini. He has already delivered one masterpiece, but he will hope – as will all tifosi – that it was simply the first to trundle off a prolific production line. Next stop victory in Qatar? Don’t rule it out because Europe’s best look like they are only getting better.
Euros are often considered harder to win… if that is remotely true, we have to consider italy a serious contender at Qatar.
Calabria must be included on this squad. He’s the best option.
Some of these players mentioned above who weren’t part of the Euros deserve an opportunity to play and show their desire and passion to help the team. Mancini has three games here to use his bench. There are more “super subs” waiting to show their worth, just as they did at the Euros. Best of luck to our Azzurri!! We are so proud!
Uh, did anyone see what happened tonight. I fear that they will even fail to qualify for the World Cop yet again. A MAJOR step backwards.