It doesn’t matter who got excluded from this squad. All that matters now is how the players on the team will perform. So, here are 5 players that will impress the most for the Italian National Team in the Euros!
1. Nicolo Barella
Nicolo Barella is arguably the best Italian central midfielder, currently. In my view, the only Italian central midfielder that could be better is Verratti.
Nicolo has everything you want in a box-to-box midfielder. He’s top-class at playmaking, dribbling, passing and not to mention tracking back. If he’s this good, hasn’t he already impressed the football world?
Here’s my answer. Of course, he’s already world-class. In saying that, international tournaments are where players like Barella can impress even more with in front of a bigger audience. It’s been that way ever since these international tournaments began.
Specifically, How Will Nicolo Barella Play a Big Role for the Azzurri?
Above, I’ve just talked about his talent and type of player he is. Here’s how he’ll specifically play a big role for Italy in their group.
Italy is definitely the favorites to win their group because they are with Turkey, Switzerland, and Wales. As a result, they’ll most likely have the most of possession in each game.
This means that each of these other teams will sit back and play on the counter-attack.
Offensively, Nicolo will provide that extra forward run that they will need to break down their opponents’ backlines.
Defensively, Nicolo will have the speed, strength, and positioning to stop teams from starting threatening counterattacks.
Let’s hope Nicolo Barella impresses like I think he will.
2. Manuel Locatelli
At the young age of 23, it’s been interesting to see how much Locatelli has improved in so many areas.
At Milan, he was a decent defensive midfielder. Over the last couple of seasons, he has turned into a deep-lying playmaker. Now, is he or will he ever be close to the calibre of Pirlo or Xavi were? I’m guaranteeing he won’t. He will stand out in the Euros, though.
If you’ve watched him in Serie A the last couple of seasons or for Italy, you know how good he is.
Some other clubs also know how good he is. It is rumoured that man city, juventus and psg are interested in him.
So, How Will He Be Important for Italy?
Locatelli is such a talented player in his position.
He creates space with his playmaking abilities and takes away space with his defensive abilities.
For Italy, he’ll be the last midfielder back, which means he’ll play an important role. He’ll make it hard for opposing teams to get into Italy’s half.
Think of him like Italy’s security guard in the middle of the park.
3. Gianluigi Donnarumma
In the last few seasons, Donnarumma has become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The 2020 Euros will be his first big international tournament as Italy’s goalkeeper.
It will be tough for him because he’s taken over from the best goalkeeper of all time, Gigi Buffon.
I’m sure he’ll embrace the pressure he’ll be under, though. Remember, he made his debut at 16 with one of the biggest clubs in the history of soccer.
How Will He Be Important for the Italian National Team?
We all know why elite goalies are important in the beautiful game, physically. Donnarumma has the potential to be important for the squad mentally too, though.
When Buffon was in net for Italy, you could tell that their backline was always super calm and composed.
If Gigio plays at an elite level in this tournament, he’ll have the same effect on Italy’s backline. The only thing he should try to avoid doing is having the ball at his feet as much as possible. He can be vulnerable with the ball at his feet.
4. Alessandro Bastoni
Alessandro Bastoni is another player on Italy’s squad that has so much potential and will impress in the Euros.
A year ago, he probably wouldn’t have been on Italy’s Euros squad. That has completely changed, though.
He’s the perfect defender that can play out from the back and also has great aerial ability. So, he’s a massive scoring threat on corners and some freekicks.
Not to mention, he’s probably one of the most underrated players defensively. I know that sounds weird, given he’s a centre-back. It’s true, though.
How Will He Make an Impact in the Euros?
Given his abilities, he’ll be important in the Euros for a couple of reasons.
The first is because he’s a good passer and can handle the ball well in his own half, he gives the Azzurri the option to play out from the back.
Defensively, he’s also super reliable. If I were Mancini I’d consider starting him. He’ll be that impressive.
5. Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Giovanni Di Lorenzo is one of those defenders that not too many people talk about. They should, though.
Di Lorenzo is so talented for several reasons.
The first is that he’s probably the best right-back in Italy, defensively. Maybe, the issue is he’s so good defensively that he’s not that noticeable to the average fan. Clearly, Napoli and Roberto Mancini have noticed him.
Offensively, he’s super effective and efficient. If I were to pick a right-back that’s consistently reliable anywhere on the field, it’s him.
Why Will He Be Super Important for Italy in the Euros?
Pretty much all the other players I’ve mentioned here have specific skills that will make them important and stand out like crazy.
With Di Lorenzo, his quiet reliability in both halves of the field will impress. If Italy concedes goals, I’m sure it won’t be on Di Lorenzo’s side of the field.
Conclusion
Whoever you believe will stand out for Italy in the Euros, it will be fun to watch them play in a major tournament for this the first time in 5 years. This squad will probably be their best since the 2014 World Cup.
There you have it, above are the 5 players that will impress the most for the Italian National Team in the Euros!
Honourable Mentions
Federico Chiesa, Giacomo Raspadori, and Marco Pessina
So, which Italian player(s) do you think will impress in the Euros? Let me know in the comments!
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