NIt’s not a paradox, even if it may seem like one today, just over 24 hours after the collapse of the Olympiastadion. Because the national team that “betrayed” at Euro2024 has, in its DNA, the antidote to reverse the trend. Before the start of the tournament, we were the fourth youngest team among all the participants, a point from which to start again. “We must not delude ourselves, long-term work cannot be done in two months,” Gravina said yesterday, defending his project. Only the “older” players will emerge from the blue group, given that many have failed. Many young people are ready to be called (or recalled). The injured Scalvini will return, for example, but the coach’s eyes are also on Fabbian (centre-right of Bologna), Baldanzi (hoping he finds continuity in Roma), Lucca of Udinese (it’s obvious to everyone that we have a goal problem). From an Italian perspective there are also Casale (we’ll see how Baroni will use him at Lazio), Kayode of Fiorentina, Cher Ndour (nineteen year old from PSG), Casadei (formerly Under 20, plays for Chelsea), Koleosho (Burnley).
Italy, all the names up for discussion
The match against Croatia should have been Jorginho’s last match in blue, especially since the match against Switzerland certified the handover with Fagioli. It will also be difficult to see Matteo Darmian again in September, his performance well below average. Better to give space to some young players, so that he can gain experience. Di Lorenzo, Lucio’s “son”, is also at risk, especially if he fails to shake off the curse that blocked him at Euro 2024. Despite being very loyal to the coach from Certaldo, it is also difficult to find a place for El Shaarawy, who limped out of the historic Berlin facility. Absent chapter: the conditions of Acerbi and Berardi, two of the great Italian injured players in this European championship, will need to be checked. The first (36 years old) underwent surgery to treat his groin just before the start of the tournament and is out. The second (29 years old) will have to recover from his Achilles tendon injury, his return is scheduled for the beginning of 2025, the Nations will have already gone. Speaking of injured players, Spalletti will return – especially if they are used continuously – Udogie (operated in April), on whom the coach had placed a lot of trust, especially for his speed and aggression in spaces, and Zaniolo, who suffered a micro fracture to his foot while playing for Aston Villa. And among the returns, Tonali must also be counted, whose suspension for the betting scandal will end on August 30. Players who would have been needed at Euro 2024.
Italy, the green card: who stays in the project
We are a young national team. The best goalkeeper in the European Championship is our Donnarumma and he is 25 years old. The tournament has consecrated the skills of Calafiori, Buongiorno and Bellanova will remain in the group (to which Ricci could be added), Cambiaso, Bastoni and Dimarco (not the one seen until Saturday) will not give up. Barella and Frattesi, with Fagioli, remain the interesting plot of the midfield, with Pellegrini and Cristante waiting for better times. Up front, we will need to look for an attacker. Scamacca, Retegui (better), Chiesa, Zaccagni and Raspadori were not enough.
