Italy Euro 2024 Preview: Squad, Group, Fixtures, Predictions, Probable XI, Kits & More

[@Tony-lt2jr]

Well done guys. Being an Italian Canadian that lives in Florida love watching your podcasts. I was a professional ice hockey player and represented Italy in the Olympics and world championships. It’s very special wearing those colours. Best thing was living in Torino and going to all the Juventus games.

[@ItaFootPod]

WOW! This is such a cool story. I (Nima) is a huge Ice Hockey fan. We would love to get in touch with you. Can you please drop me an email in [e-mail] and if you would like you could come on the show and talk about your experiences?

[@Tony-lt2jr]

I sent Nima an email. Keep up the good work boys.

[@roccoa6818]

What an amazingly knowledgeable podcasters trio such a joy to listen. I’m 64 yrs old originally from Calabria Italy moved to USA at the age of 10. My first football game I watched was with my late grandfather 1966 WC finals. I was hooked though we didn’t perform well remember the Korea debacle when I came over in 1970 got to listen con le onde corte the matches that led us to the finals and of course the game of the century vs Germany. I’m an optimist but also a realist regarding this squad hope I’m wrong but agree with you guys about the quarterfinals as a goal we would have to have amazing luck to go any further just don’t see the quality of the squad especially in attack. I could go on but once again really enjoyed the podcast and look forward to listening to many more wishing you the best. Sempre Forza Azzurri!! Btw my favorite Italian player of all time Roby Baggio

[@ItaFootPod]

Thank you so much Rocco. Appreciate it. What a beautiful story

[@LucaAngarano]

I've just found your podcast, its absolutely brilliant 👌 Nima and Carlo clearly know thier calcio as does the guest this week Adrian. I agree with other comments that its good you have video on this one, you should keep that up. I'm looking forward to listening to the pod over the course of a full season next year!

[@ItaFootPod]

Ciao Luca! Thank you for the kind words and so happy you liked the pod. Welcome to the community

[@diodoruscronus]

Quick fact : From 1980 to 1982 Paolo Rossi played in only 3 club matches just before being selected by Enzo Bearzot. Rossi, with 6 goals (hat trick against probably the best Brazilian side ever after Peles 50s team) and the Golden boot of spain wc 82, then becomes the protagonist italy has ever seen at a major tournament. Paolo Rossi remains the only player to lift the World Cup trophy while winning the Golden Ball for the best player and the Golden Shoe as the top scorer. Moreover, he is one of just two players to score a hat-trick against Brazil at the World Cup. 1982 was his year and the legend lives on.

[@ItaFootPod]

Nice one

[@vincemaniaci]

Great pod. Adrian was a terrific guest as well. Let’s hope we’re all wrong and Italy shock us once again!

[@ItaFootPod]

Thanks Vince. And Agreed

[@gabr131s]

Great pod guys!! Great though to see that this euros team will have some good young players like Calafiori, Frattesi, Buongiorno, Bellanova, Cambiaso, Fagioli and Retegui!! Good to see that Folorunsho made the final squad, keen to see if he gets minutes and how he goes. Let’s see how spaletti lines up the first 11. It’s looking like he could go with 3-4-2-1 formation. Would love to see Bastoni-Buongiorno-Calafiori at the back (although I know they all are left footed, so unlikely). It sucks Orsolini didn’t get the call up, I really thought he would be a good impact sub player, especially given he had a strong season with 10 goals / 2 assist for bologna. Must have impressed spalletti enough in training camp / the recent friendly game. Also annoyed that Colpani wasn’t even considered, another talented player that was overlooked. Agree with Carlo about Locatelli. Definitely prefer him as a player, as he is more technical compared to Cristante who is more a midfield bulldozer, yes with better fitness but isn’t a great passer of the ball Would have liked to see players like Fabbian, Casedei, Baldanzi and Colpani be at least considered for the Euros squad. Even though they don’t make it now, I hope a lot of young Italian players keep growing and improving for the future strength of the italia team!

[@ItaFootPod]

Thanks man.

[@LegendaryItalianPower]

So glad I just found you guys, needed an Perspective from my fellow countrymen

[@ItaFootPod]

Welcome brother.

[@dopecityproductions]

Very much enjoyed that, grazie a mille, chaps. And Forza Azzuri!

[@ItaFootPod]

Happy to hear it mate. Forza Azzurri!

[@DonQwantsyou]

my all time italy? Zoff, Cabrini, Baresi , Maldini, Gentile, Facchetti, Tardelli, Rivera, Pirlo, Rossi, Baggio on the bench: Totti, Vieri, Ancelotti ( need brains too), Burgnich, Scirea, Chiesa, Bergomi, Cannavaro. My favorite Italy shirt? I agree all were terrific. But for me my favorite was 1970 WC shirt. It was the first Italy game i saw with my dad ( who had played briefly in serie A) The final Italy-Brazil at the old Boston Arena on closed circuit TV. Simple, blue, and with the iconic Italia shield. ⚽

[@ItaFootPod]

Good choices

[@diodoruscronus]

Scary how many great players we've had

[@Fab-ig4xn]

You guys going to do a podcast on the Italy U17 success at the Euros? I'm interested to know how many of that team look like the real deal (aside from the obvious Camarda).

[@patrickgmafia5216]

Libertali , Marconi and Colvetta looked good .not to mention the defenders and goalie

[@ItaFootPod]

We will discuss this on the Monday pod

[@patrickgmafia5216]

@ItaFootPod sounds good I'm a Canadian Italian lol we all stand united

[@patrickgmafia5216]

@ItaFootPod Scamacca break out tournament. Now that Scamma won Europa League his will to win should be notified.

[@francistumwesige1028]

Azzurri fan since 1998. Talent aside, the current team also lacks grit and hardness. The 2006 team had a brilliant blend of pure talents like Buffon, Nesta, Pirlo, Totti and Del Piero and real hard men like Gattuso, Materazzi, De Rossi.

[@ItaFootPod]

Interesting point

[@joshmieto]

So excited to see what Italy will do in EURO.. as always a great podcast by Carlo and Nima!

[@ItaFootPod]

Thanks mate!

[@roccomancini5875]

There where excellent points made which reminded me of many Italians regardless of where they live In the world, empathise . Not feeling confident but hope for a quarter final.. hopefully building blocks for the next world cup.

[@ItaFootPod]

Thank you Rocco.

[@Episode_13]

Amazing we get to see faces

[@ItaFootPod]

haha thanks

[@diluviudiluvescu7753]

Thank you, guys.

[@ItaFootPod]

Thank you!

[@ihghjgh]

Andrej Kramaric has scorered 17 goals this season in Germany, Ante Budimir has scored 17 goals in Spain. Petkovic plays in Dinamo Zagreb, but he scored against Brazil, Holland. So Croatia has something in attack

[@ItaFootPod]

They do but is it good enough, we dont think it's of the level that it used to be

[@ihghjgh]

@@ItaFootPod What about italian attack?

[@agi2160]

​@ihghjgh Don't worry, dude. Relax. Croatia wins it all like they have in every other major tournament. Clean sheets and at least three goals a game 👍

[@ihghjgh]

@@agi2160 You are one who needs to relax. Of course I respect italian football, but ignorance and underestimating of croatian players, by some so called experts is sometimes annoying.

[@John-yu4tt]

Why does Politano never get called? He was a key player in the scudetto under Spalletti and still had moments of greatness this season... his cutting in from the right and shooting is pretty reliable. You guys didn't mention him when talking about the players who miss out.

[@ItaFootPod]

Not good enough IMHO

[@AdrianMutu87]

great pod, but please improve audio quality when you do these types of recordings. nima's sound with dedicated headphone and mic is much better than Carlo's and Adrian's. Should be a must to have dedicated microphones when making podcasts imo. Thanks again and hope you take this constructive criticism.

[@ItaFootPod]

Thanks and you're absolutely right. Will do next time

[@intoodeep941]

The omission of Balotelli in this years squad or in any of your top XI’s is criminal

[@TheYoutubeExpert]

He had his chances but he blew it. A pretty disappointing career with few highlights and he's his own worst enemy.

[@ItaFootPod]

Agree to disagree

[@LUCATALKSBALL]

@@ItaFootPodbalotelli finished how is he playing I think if you brought him back now wouldn’t make diffence I think Italy should of called up locatelli verrati insigne/politano

[@PotatoBearRawr]

On the wingbacks, I find it odd to talk about who starts as if they are going to play the whole game. If Italy is playing a 3-5-2 variant, then it seems obvious to do an Inzaghi, and no wingback ever gets more than 55min in a game. Literally sub both wingbacks at half-time, so you have 3 single substitutions for the 2nd half is optimal. And as the more dynamic players, then Bellanova and Cambiaso coming in a half-time means they are running past tired defenders. First half is for organisation and control, second half is for dynamic play, and if you have to put on Di Lorenzo as a wingback in the second half that is a catastrophe, but starting him is not. And if then a centreback is having issues, then you move Di Lorenzo to RCB and take off the centreback at half-time. Considering just how young the centrebacks are, then Spalletti likely going to have to make in-game changes before he knows, who is optimal. Against Spain and Croatia, then starting Di Lorenzo on the RWB will bring balance and order to the team in the early stages of games, which Italy are not necessarily favourites to win. And then you can open up from there. If ahead, take him off; if behind, move him to central defence. As with Pellegrini, then Di Lorenzo is this player, who transcends the outdated def-mid-att narrative, and it means he can change position to temporarily change the system, so he is likely to be the most important player for Spalletti. If he can perform. And this questions is something you can test again Albania. Di Lorenzo is not going to lose you the game to Albania if playing poorly (but he might all other games in the Euros), so he should be tested, and either it works or it does not. I think this is also a similar situation with Scamacca. Either he will be the topscorer, or he will only play against Albania. Chiesa is also interesting, as I am not certain he will start against Albania. Raspadori-Scamacca is possibly better to start with and Pellegrini behind. Raspadori is a Spalletti favourite, where Zaccagni and Chiesa for 2 of Pelle;Rasp-Sca can open a more dynamic attack in the second half. I really feel a initial gameplan of subbing on Zaccagni, Chiesa, Cambiaso and Bellanova is the obvious way to go. Then in midfield there is the question of if Frattesi comes on for Barella or Cristante for Jorginho, but if there are no injuries, then these are the obvious and optimal sub-ons. I really often feel that people forgot in 5-sub football that there now are players, who are better not to start the game with. Not because they are bad, but because as fresh in a second half, they can dominate in a completely different way. Di Lorenzo and Raspadori are for me more organisational players, who are better in a first-half, and Chiesa is the devil for any opposition if he is subbed on in a second half. You really do not want to risk having to do that in reverse. I see it so often with coaches in Serie A, where they in the second half take of a dynamic player and put on a static player, and then the attack just falls flat, and this especially when the team is behind. If Donnarumma is captain, Barella and Jorginho are his back-ups, then Raspadori and Di Lorenzo are the managers lieutenants, who might not lead directly, but are the pieces the manager can move on the board tactically. Therefore I see those 5 as the leadership, balance, and tactical flexibility. Then the 3 defenders need to get to know each other quickly (and focus only on their own job), Dimarco just does his thing, and the number 10 (Pellegrini) and number 9 (Scamacca) also just do their thing (as is tradition for Italy). Chiesa will be subbed on against Albania, and then depending on his performance, and the performance of others, then he may start, or he may be the supersub (like last time in 2021?).

[@ItaFootPod]

Depth still matters no? That's the context we're discussing

[@PotatoBearRawr]

​@@ItaFootPod I guess I am less worried about the depth. I think the squad has a good balance of starters with experience, and dynamic talented players on the bench (who are probably largely unknown outside Italy). Italy is not entering the tournament as favourites, but I like the type of depth the squad has, and especially considering the manager, who is deploying it. As always, a major tournament for Italy is decided by if the team grows into the tournament. Last time Barella was 24, Locatelli and Chiesa were 23, so I am not worried about playing a lot of kids. Dimarco, Frattesi, Raspadori, Retegui, Scamacca, Pellegrini and the 3 at the back are all players in growth, and might well have another level to their play which has not been see yet. This is a young squad, not a bad squad. Uncertainly sets low expectation (which is a good thing for an Italy squad), but uncertainty also means we have no idea what their peak performance level might be. Not having old players, can also mean more hungry players. This feels like a proper Italy squad with a real chance of success. No serious expectations, either out in the group stages or they might just somehow magically win the whole thing, and if there is any sort of momentum, then Spalletti is the perfect manager to maintain and build on that momentum. (I say this every 2 years, but) I think Italy is going to win the whole thing (and since I am not Italian, then it does not count as a jinx). And as with 2006 no player will score more than 2 goals, but it will be won by a decisive team-based hard work effort, not individual skill. And the decisive factor will be Spalletti above any individual player.

[@lucap6211]

I’m very very worried. I hope this isn’t like 2010 where we get embarrassed.

[@ItaFootPod]

Same.

[@donatoiacovino6968]

Agreed, but I believe it will be similar to Euro 2004

[@JohnGenoese]

People forget how good Italy were playing ahead of the 2020 euros. They have not looked good at all recently.

[@DonQwantsyou]

no its been terrible. spalletti needs a couple of years with this group to make them competitive with the best. mancini had the team playing very well for 2 years and ubeaten for a long stretch before euro 2020

[@ItaFootPod]

So true

[@aussiesfootballfan]

Adrian have you ever coached or been involved in management of a club or Academy just wondering. 🤔

[@ItaFootPod]

I'll ask him

[@stranglar-mg9ie]

The last Tournament Italy played very well the whole team were on form and deserved it ahead of the euros I don't think they will get far this time just haven't the quality 😮

[@ItaFootPod]

Im afraid you may be right

[@Episode_13]

Gnonto for me maybe should be there. He has a spark

[@ItaFootPod]

Agreed

[@mschiano7]

Forza Italia

[@ItaFootPod]

Forza!!

[@aussiesfootballfan]

Nima for me the future is striker Francesco Camarda and future number 10 is Simone Pafundi watch

[@aussiesfootballfan]

Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati, Yamal these boys are from 16 years old to 19 years old. My point Italy never put a 16 year old star or a 18 year old in there squad like Spain 🇪🇸 does.

[@ItaFootPod]

Let's hope he develops well

[@aussiesfootballfan]

@@ItaFootPod they will both with the right support.

[@DonQwantsyou]

they've been talking about inferior training techniques in italy for decades. its not a big concern i don't think . the biggest problem in italy is talent. With the success of the under teams in Europe and at WC under 20 hopefully gives Italy hope for the future in terms of superior talent available. I agree with your analysis of Chiesa and Zaniolo, its a shame. BTW like the 1968 shirt. Riva Mazzola anastasi, Facchetti , Rivera were pretty good

[@ItaFootPod]

Interesting points. Hopefully the current crop can do what you say

[@DonQwantsyou]

for me the defense is the biggest concern. For years they had Chiellini , the best defender for 20 years in the world and Bonucci also very good and could aid offense with pinpoint passes. they are both retired and we put our faith in a youngster buongiorno and Bastoni who i like and is a good passer as well but does not convince me defensively. De Lorenzo also is weak defensively. De Marco is an emerging star on the flanks. I have been a fan since 1970 and it will be strange seeing them in a major tourney without a shutdown defense. Also concerned about Chiesa who hasnt been the same since his ACL injury and his pace and goalscoring threat was essential in 2021 and we probably won't see the same player this time. Scamacca in form ( hopefully) finally gives them a goalscorer which will help if he produces and gets the proper service from the playmakers. Its all to be seen however i don't think spalletti has had enough time with them for them to be very competitive in this tourney. Also the injuries, as you guys point out have been heavy (no depth). Perhaps in 2 years , provided they grow and qualification for WC goes well they may be a threat in USA WC. Let's hope they arrive there!

[@ItaFootPod]

That's why imho a back three is the way forward

[@w1572w]

Is Veratti retired from intrrnationals?

[@ItaFootPod]

haha he might as well be

[@LUCATALKSBALL]

@@ItaFootPodI think so or just wasn’t picked

[@NealSinclair]

🇮🇹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ItaFootPod]

Forza

[@TheYoutubeExpert]

Without Verratti you lack a midfielder that can control the game. He was the Pirlo heir and now we don't even have 1 midfielder close to that ATM. Not close to being good for now and 2026.

[@ItaFootPod]

That is the concern

[@PotatoBearRawr]

"When" England fans storm the stadium for the opening game, is the correct point of blame not on: "THE GERMANS"?`:D

[@ItaFootPod]

HAHAHA

[@alessandropinto_xsan]

Locatelli out is the best choise Spalletti has Made. Fagioli will play against Albania along side Jorginho and hopefully barella

[@ItaFootPod]

Big words. Let's see if it plays out that way

[@lordfoxtrot8330]

No to Pelegrini in midfield as a starter - too soft and slow, for me Cambiaso need to start in midfield. Even Jorginho shouldn't be starting but not much choice there. Let's Go Azzurri!!!

[@ItaFootPod]

Pellegrini, Jorginho & Barella is fire

[@Episode_13]

Gnonto should go!!!

[@ItaFootPod]

Agreed. Better than Zaccagni

[@DonQwantsyou]

tell me your opinion guys, is it more difficult to win Euro or WC?🤨 Mbappe and LE Boeuf say Euro

[@ItaFootPod]

Interesting question. Right now I'd say EURO's.

[@ilcarcerieredimauri79]

as far our MF goes i think it's going to be a big mistake playing jorginho. i personally would have selected ricci for the squad ahead of say folorunsho but in his absence i would be inclined to play pellegrini in a deeper position because apart from his workrate which i see from watching roma every week is very underrated he can also dribble past opponents in tight situations much better than jorginho who is a liability whenever he gets pressed. a MF 3 of pellegrini/barella/frattesi would be our best chance in this tournament. & don't even get me started on the call-up for fagioli which is a disgrace

[@ItaFootPod]

I love Ricci. Great player.

[@ilcarcerieredimauri79]

@@ItaFootPod he's very underrated in my opinion 👍

[@Episode_13]

Chiesa is still rapid by the way!

[@ItaFootPod]

Not compared to prior ACL

[@LUCATALKSBALL]

Italian squad isn’t great no Verrari no insigne no politano locatelli Love podcast

[@ItaFootPod]

Thanks Luca

[@marcoa7263]

Euro can be preparation for the World Cup but Spaletti didn't bring the right young talent with him. They are missing, look at Spain with Yamal and others

[@ItaFootPod]

Like who?

[@marcoa7263]

@@ItaFootPod Camarda, Udogie or Miretti, at least one of them, the experience would be important for preparing youth for World Cup 26

[@donatoiacovino6968]

Camarda will play at the 2026 WC

[@satoshi_corner]

Great pod, with a bit of luck & no injuries I think Italy can make at least semi final. England will flop, terrible defence & manager. France, Germany, Spain & Portugal with Italy top 5 who can win it. Hard to call. France & Portugal have best squads but Roberto Martinez is another grifter who falls up in jobs after being sacked. I'll go for Germany with home advantage.

[@ItaFootPod]

Thanks brother. Hope youre right

[@chubbs_malone7268]

The fewer Juventus players the better. Allegri ruined them.

[@ItaFootPod]

hahaha

[@diodoruscronus]

Spinazzola, chiesa zaniolo rossi... generational talent lost to injuries

[@ItaFootPod]

Yup

[@DonQwantsyou]

greatest team all time: ENGLAND 1966

[@ItaFootPod]

hahahaha