9th
FIFA Ranking
2
Finals
2020
Last Euros
2020
Best Performance
Italy have had a turbulent few years by their standards having failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. Yet, they are the defending European Champions where, three years ago at Wembley, they managed to edge past England on penalties to claim their second European title. They are a side who stumbled through qualifying too, where they finished second to England and only pipped Ukraine to second place through goal difference to qualify for the tournament automatically instead of requiring a playoff. Italy finished third in the UEFA Nations League last summer – they lost to eventual winners Spain, who they will face again in the Group Stages this year, in the semi-finals before beaten the Netherlands 3-2 in the 3rd/4th play off, but it may be a tough task for them to repeat the theatrics of three years ago in Germany. They’re in a really tough group and form is not really on their side.
Player to Watch
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Italy’s top scorer in qualifying only notched up three goals in total, and their goals are spread out amongst fairly mediocre talent going forward, so it will surely be up to their mean defence to garner out points this year. Donnarumma is only 25 but has been a first teamer for his club since the age of 16, and his years of experience and shotstopping ability will be huge for his nation’s chances of progressing.
Squad List
