What next for Roberto Mancini’s Italy?

Italy won the Euros, beating some of the best teams in the tournament and Giancarlo Rinaldi analyses what the Azzurri can achieve in the future, starting from the 2022 World Cup.

In the world of modern sport there is little opportunity to rest on your laurels. Roberto Mancini will barely have had time to get his champagne-soaked designer jacket back from the dry cleaners before his mind will turn to his next challenge. The European champions now have an even bigger goal in mind.

Make no mistake, this tournament announced the Azzurri were back as major players on the world scene. Having defeated the top side in the world on FIFA rankings in the shape of Belgium, edged out Spain and beaten England at Wembley Stadium, they displayed their intent to be back at the top table for years to come. Suddenly Qatar 2022 does not seem such a far-fetched proposal as it would have a few years ago.

In case you had forgotten, the qualification battle for that event is already underway and the fight will resume in Florence in September with a home clash to Bulgaria. Italy are already sitting pretty with three wins out of three but – with only group winners certain of their place – their biggest test will probably come a few days later in Switzerland. Remo Freuler and company showed they were no mugs at UEFA Euro 2020 and Mancio’s men will need to be at their best to ensure they make serene progress to a second major tournament in a row. The games come thick and fast, however, and the group will be decided by mid-November.

Italy silence doubters by winning EURO 2020

In the middle of that is another little test with the Nations League finals tournament planned in Italy. They will face familiar foes Spain – who made them struggle hugely at the Euros – for the right to play the winners of Belgium versus France in October. It looks like another nice little warm-up competition for serious tests come any trip to the Middle East next year should they get there.

There are questions which will need to be answered and some certainties which emerged from this summer’s campaign. Big Gigio Donnarumma only reinforced his place as one of the world’s top goalkeepers which provides a solid block for the defence, but in front of him there are a few unknowns. How long can Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini be expected to continue and how able are their deputies? Who can fill the void while they wait patiently for Leonardo Spinazzola to return from serious injury and will he come back as good as he was before? And is Giovanni Di Lorenzo definitely the answer for the right-back role?

The midfield unit showed both strengths and limitations at Euro 2020. There is no doubt that Jorginho, Marco Verratti and Nicolò Barella are a group that can boss many a game but they struggled a lot when faced with an even better passing ensemble in the form of Spain. Manuel Locatelli is itching for inclusion while we await the return of another young star – Nicolò Zaniolo – from injury. There is some juggling to be done.

Five key moments behind Italy’s EURO 2020 triumph

And up front? Federico Chiesa’s stock has soared over the last few weeks and Lorenzo Insigne confirmed his quality but that central striker’s position still remains a source of debate. Ciro Immobile never found his real form and Andrea Belotti looks more workmanlike than wonderful. The team is crying out for a prolific hitman and – while the Lazio front man has the credentials – you get the feeling the door is open for someone to hit form. They have about a season and a half to do so.

Anyone who believes in omens will have mixed memories of the last time Italy were crowned European champions. After victory in 1968, the Azzurri went on a run to the World Cup final a couple of years later only to suffer a heavy defeat to Brazil. It shows, however, that winning the continental trophy can stand you in good stead for making progress at the biggest tournament on the planet. There is the little matter of qualifying, of course, to get out of the way first.

The role of an international manager is an unforgiving one and, despite all the good work in recent years, the critics will soon surface if Roberto Mancini fails to maintain the momentum he has established with this side. He looks to have built a solid unit but it will face more stern tests in the weeks and months to come. Historically, Italy have always looked at the European Nations as a building block towards a World Cup. If the ex-Samp man can deliver a trophy next year again, he would cement his legend with the blue of his country that he never quite managed to achieve as a player.

@ginkers