Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has named a 30-man provisional squad as the Azzurri set their sights on defending their European Championship title at Euro 2024 in Germany.
Spalletti faces a tough challenge, with Italy placed in Group B, dubbed the “group of death.” Croatia, Spain, and Albania stand between them and the knockout stages.
Key Additions and Experienced Core:
The squad features a strong core of Euro 2020 winners, including Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, midfield maestro Jorginho, and the attacking talents of Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
New faces to watch include in-form striker Gianluca Scamacca, fresh off his success with Atalanta, and youngster Nicolo Fagioli.
Filling the Void in Defense:
The retirement of defensive stalwarts Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci leaves a significant gap. Experienced heads like Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni will need to step up and lead the backline if Italy are to retain their crown.
Italy’s Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur), Alex Meret (Napoli), Ivan Provedel (Lazio)
Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Inter Milan), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Torino), Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino), Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Inter Milan), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta)
Midfielders: Jorginho (Arsenal), Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Nicolo Fagioli (Juventus), Michael Folorunsho (Verona), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Samuele Ricci (Torino)
Forwards: Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Mateo Retegui (Genoa), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta)
Spalletti must reduce the squad to 26 players before the tournament begins. Would Italy join Spain and win back-to-back Euros or would they fall short? Time would tell.