Italy’s quest to defend their Euro crown in Germany this summer hinges heavily on finding the right formula in midfield. The sting of missing the World Cup in Qatar is fresh, and the pressure is on manager Luciano Spalletti to assemble a squad capable of replicating their 2021 triumph.
While the backline and attack seem to be taking shape, the midfield remains a bit of a question mark. Spalletti is expected to announce a preliminary 30-man squad soon, with some key decisions to be made in the engine room.
Front Runners for Selection:
- The Established Trio: Nicolo Barella, the tireless workhorse, Jorginho, the metronome controlling the tempo, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, the creative spark – all seem like guaranteed selections. Their experience and understanding from previous tournaments will be invaluable.
- Emerging Options: Davide Frattesi of Sassuolo and Federico Dimarco of Inter Milan have been impressing in Serie A and could offer fresh energy and dynamism in the center of the park.
- Utility Players: Bryan Cristante and Manuel Locatelli provide valuable versatility, capable of playing various roles within the midfield depending on Spalletti’s tactical needs.
The Remaining Doubts:
A few talented youngsters are knocking on the door, hoping to make their mark on the big stage. Juventus’ Nicolo Fagioli, Bologna’s Giovanni Fabbian, Hellas Verona’s Michael Folorunsho, and Fiorentina’s Giacomo Bonaventura are all vying for a spot. Their inclusion will depend on their form in the coming weeks and Spalletti’s vision for the midfield composition.
Factors at Play:
Spalletti will be looking for a balanced midfield that can seamlessly transition between attack and defense.
- Formation: Will he stick with the 4-3-3 that brought them success in 2021, or will he adapt to a different formation based on the strengths of his available players?
- Form and Fitness: Injuries and a player’s current form will ultimately dictate final selections.
Conclusion
Italy‘s midfield for Euro 2024 is a fascinating puzzle for manager Luciano Spalletti to solve. While seasoned veterans like Barella, Jorginho, and Pellegrini seem like sure bets, there’s a fierce competition brewing for the remaining spots. The likes of Frattesi, Dimarco, and even some exciting youngsters are pushing for inclusion. Ultimately, Spalletti’s decision will hinge on the chosen formation, player form in the coming weeks, and their ability to create a cohesive unit that can dominate the midfield battleground in Germany. Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign could very well hinge on their success in finding the right midfield recipe.
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