Roberto Mancini admits it’s ‘difficult’ to cut down his Euro 2020 squad and names France, Portugal, Belgium and England as Italy’s biggest competition.
The Azzurri are in Group A with Turkey, Switzerland and Wales, kicking off on June 11.
Although he did slice his squad down from 33 to 28, another two must be left out before Tuesday’s deadline.
“It was difficult to leave out six lads from the first training camp, it’ll be even tougher for the final two. All these players deserve to be in the Nazionale,” Mancini told Che Tempo Che Fa on Rai 3.
After winning all 10 qualifiers and going unbeaten in two years, Italy have to be one of the contenders for the Euro 2020 trophy.
“I think France, Portugal, Belgium and England are all very strong teams, but Italy must begin the tournament seeking the maximum result. We are sure that we have a very good side at our disposal.”