It is safe to say Italy are in a period of transition. After success at Euro 2020, experienced heads have now departed and they have not been able to fully regain their winning formula. However, that is not to say they do not possess an exciting squad. Italy will be a tough game for any top team and it would not be a surprise to see them go far again. They open their tournament against Albania, before facing European titans Spain and Croatia. In such a competitive group, the onus will be firmly on the Azzurri to impress from the get-go.
With that in mind, what is the best XI available to recently appointed manager Luciano Spalletti for Euro 2024? We’ve provided our own response to that question.
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Formation 3-4-3
Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Unfortunately for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario, who had an outstanding debut season in the Premier League, Donnarumma is still firmly the Italian No1. The imposing stopper kept 16 clean sheets in 2023-24, becoming a Ligue 1 champion yet again. Donnarumma, despite only being 25, gives an air of experience due to his commanding personality and composure. He also has an excellent penalty saving record, a huge advantage in tournament football.
Right Wing-Back – Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)
Experienced full-back Di Lorenzo has been a mainstay in the Italy side for many years now. His reliability in defence, combined with versatility going forward, makes him the perfect option for Spalletti. He just fits with the system that Italy play, with overloads on the wing giving the Napoli ace plenty of opportunity to influence the game and cause the opposition all manner of problems.
Centre-Back – Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
The young centre-back has been the target of many of Europe’s top sides for a while now and it’s easy to see why. After winning the Scudetto with Inter, Bastoni’s confidence will be sky high at Euro 2024. Known for his ability on the ball (four assists in 2023-24), he matches technical elegance with speed and physicality. Strikers will have to be on top of their game, yet that still may not be enough to get the better of Bastoni.
Centre-Back – Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino)
Buongiorno should be afforded starting opportunities this summer due to the absences of Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini. However, that is not to say he has not thoroughly earned his chance to shine. Buongiorno has shown at Torino that he should be talked about among the best defenders in Serie A. Tall and powerful, he gives off an imposing presence as well as being comfortable on the ball. Buongiorno has everything you could want from a modern centre-back and will not look out of place in the starting XI.
Centre-Back – Matteo Darmian (Inter Milan)
Another inclusion influenced by players missing due to injury. But again, Darmian is a player well worthy of a starting spot after yet another impressive campaign at Inter. Centre-back is not his preferred position but he has proven that he can do what is needed for the team and more. Quick and effective on the ball, as well as being positionally astute, Darmian can be instrumental in Italy’s ball progression.
Left Wing-Back – Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
Similarly, Dimarco will be essential to Italy’s attacking efforts. The Inter man produced six goals and eight assists from defence in 2023-24, proving himself to be a versatile operator and able to cover an incredible amount of ground. With so much emphasis on wing play for Italy, Dimarco is allied to shine by supporting the front men and whipping in crosses – or testing the keeper himself with his wand of a left peg.
Centre Midfield – Jorginho (Arsenal)
Jorginho played a huge part in Arsenal’s successful campaign during the prolonged absence of Thomas Partey. Consistent and reliable with excellent ball retention and precise passing, he is an asset to any team in which he plays. Jorginho loves to play short, fast passes that both encourage movement and dictate the tempo of the game. He is one of the world’s best orchestrators from the middle of the park and no doubt will be a key cog for Italy at the Euros.
Centre Midfield – Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
Probably Italy’s star man these days, Barella had another outstanding season for Inter and the determined midfielder will want to make another big impact on the international stage. Barella carries the ball effortlessly, is a clever passer and seemingly always wants to play forward and be productive. He is the perfect man for Spalletti’s transition-focused system, the ideal link between defence and attack.
Right Wing – Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
After a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, Chiesa is back and ready to remind everyone why he is so highly rated. Despite limited playing time he managed 10 goals for Juve in 2023-24 and won the Coppa Italia. Injury may have dented his career slightly but Chiesa appears to have lost little to none of his dynamism or creativity, making him the X-factor option for Italy.
Striker – Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta)
After struggling to adapt to the Premier League with West Ham, there was a prevailing view that maybe Scamacca was not worth the hype. However, his first season back in Italy was a triumph. With 19 goals and eight assists across all competitions, as well as a Europa League winner medal, the Atalanta man has proven his quality. Tall, strong and capable of scoring all types of goals, his style is reminiscent of classic Italian No9s like Christian Vieri and Luca Toni.
Left Wing – Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma)
Often utilised slightly outside of his favoured central position for the national side, Pellegrini still shows quality whenever he pulls on the Italy shirt. One of Serie A’s top talents with an impressive football IQ, the Roma ace is also a renowned dead-ball specialist. With set-pieces being so crucial, particularly in tournament football, Pellegrini has so much to offer the Azzurri at Euro 2024.
Italy Euros Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
Federico Chiesa to be Italy’s Top Scorer – 4.50
Italy to go out in the quarter-finals – 3.75
Italy to win Group B – 3.00
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