Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti has chosen his final 26-man squad for the upcoming European Championship, and there are some key players who have made the cut. Despite missing the last game due to injury, midfielder Nicolò Barella has been included in the squad. Barella is a crucial figure in Spalletti’s plans, and his presence will undoubtedly strengthen Italy’s midfield in the tournament.
Another player worth mentioning is Federico Gatti, who earned his spot in the final squad after the withdrawal of other defenders. Gatti’s inclusion highlights the coach’s trust in his abilities and his importance to the team’s defensive line. His performance in the upcoming games will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
Surprise Inclusions and Exclusions
One of the surprise inclusions in the squad is Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who recently returned from a ban for breaching betting rules. Fagioli’s inclusion shows Spalletti’s willingness to give players a second chance and his belief in the midfielder’s skills. It will be interesting to see how Fagioli performs on the big stage after his long absence from international football.
On the other hand, some players from the provisional squad did not make it to the final cut. Players like Samuele Ricci and Riccardo Orsolini were left out, despite their appearances in the previous games. Orsolini, who started in the draw against Turkey, failed to impress the coach enough to secure a spot in the final squad. This decision underscores Spalletti’s commitment to selecting the best players based on current form and performance.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
With one more warm-up game against Bosnia before heading to Germany for the tournament, Italy faces a tough challenge in Group B. Teams like Spain, Croatia, and Albania will provide formidable opposition, testing the squad’s strengths and weaknesses. The coach’s final selection reflects his strategy and tactics for the tournament, and it will be intriguing to see how the chosen players perform under pressure.
Italy’s final squad for Euro 2024 is a mix of experience and youth, with key players like Barella and Gatti leading the charge. Spalletti’s decisions in selecting the squad show his confidence in certain players and his willingness to take risks with others. As the team prepares for the upcoming championship, all eyes will be on Italy to see if they can defend their title and showcase their talent on the European stage.