Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti has finalized his squad for the upcoming Euro 2024, making some tough decisions in the process. Riccardo Orsolini, Samuele Ricci, and Ivan Provedel have been omitted from the Azzurri’s roster as they gear up to defend their title on the European stage.
Provedel, the goalkeeper from Lazio, will remain in training back in Rome as a standby option in case of any emergencies. This move aligns with UEFA regulations, which allow for the replacement of a goalkeeper due to injury or illness even after the commencement of the tournament.
Joining Provedel on the sidelines are Bologna’s winger Orsolini and Torino’s midfielder Ricci, both missing out on spots in Italy’s final 26-man squad.
Injuries have also plagued the team, with Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini forced to withdraw from the squad after its announcement. Federico Gatti was subsequently called up as a replacement last week. Gatti’s inclusion is noteworthy, considering he was playing in the third tier of Italian soccer just before Italy’s triumph in the pandemic-delayed Euro 2020 three years ago. His journey from Serie C side Pro Patria to Serie A giants Juventus is a testament to his determination and talent.
Italy’s squad sees Inter Milan heavily represented despite Acerbi’s absence, with key players like Nicolò Barella, Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni, Matteo Darmian, and Davide Frattesi making the cut.
The team’s preparations for the tournament include a friendly match against Bosnia-Herzegovina following a lackluster 0-0 draw against Turkey. Italy will kick off their title defense against Albania in Dortmund on June 15, marking the start of Euro 2024. Spain and Croatia join Italy in Group B.
The finalized squad for Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign comprises:
Goalkeepers:
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham)
Defenders:
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Torino), Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino), Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Inter Milan), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Gianluca Mancini (Roma)
Midfielders:
Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus), Michael Folorunsho (Verona), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Jorginho (Arsenal), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma)
Forwards:
Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli), Mateo Retegui (Genoa), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)
Italy’s squad blend experience and emerging talent as they aim to replicate their success from Euro 2020.
