Italy at UEFA Euro 2016 | Squad and Stats.

Italy are always among the favourites!

The European champions from 1968 have been drawn in Group E with the teams of Belgium, Republic of Ireland and Sweden. Italy easily reached the Euro 2016, after winning their qualification group. The Italians collected 24 points in 10 games. They recorded 7 victories and 3 draws, without conceding a single defeat. In addition, The Azzurri have only lost 3 of their last 20 games; all their defeats were in friendly matches.

Italy reached the final match of the European championship on two occasions in the last 16 years. But, unfortunately they lost both finals. The Azzurri became runners-up in the previous edition of the European championship in 2012. They recorded 2 draws (1-1 vs. Spain and Croatia) and a victory (2-0 vs. Rep. of Ireland) in the group stage and proceeded to the quarterfinals, where the Italians beat England on penalties. Then, in the semifinals Mario Balotelli scored twice against Germany and sent the Azzurri to the final. But, the Spaniards were much better and smashed Italy 4-0. Squadra Azzurra were also unlucky in 2000, when they lost the final match to France after David Trezeguet’s golden goal in the 103rd minute. It’s interesting that Italy were in a very similar group in the Euro 2000. They were drawn with the teams of Belgium, Sweden and Turkey and recorded 3 victories in the group stage.

The Azzurri have only lost to the Republic of Ireland on two occasions in 13 matches. Moreover, Antonio Conte’s players have recorded 3 victories in the last 4 matches against Sweden. Maybe the most difficult opponent for Italy are The Red Devils. The Azzurri have met Belgium on 10 occasions, but Italy have only won 3 of these matches.

The Squad:

• Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Salvatore Sirigu, Federico Marchetti.
• Defenders: Matteo Darmian, Mattia De Sciglio, Angelo Ogbonna, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci.
• Midfielders: Thiago Motta, Marco Parolo, Daniele De Rossi, Stefano Sturaro, Emanuele Giaccherini, Federico Bernardeschi, Alessandro Florenzi.
• Forwards: Antonio Candreva, Stephan El Shaarawy, Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile, Simone Zaza, Eder, Graziano Pelle.

Italy matches at the Euro 2016:

• 13/06/16 | Belgium vs. Italy | Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Décines-Charpieu)
• 17/06/16 | Italy vs. Sweden | Stadium Municipal (Toulouse)
• 22/06/16 | Italy vs. Rep. of Ireland | Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d’Ascq)

Italy again seem very strong in defence. Gianluigi Buffon is the most experienced Italian player. The goalkeeper has already won 157 caps for Squadra Azzurra. He had a great season at Juventus and now is in very good shape. Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli will have the main role in defence. The biggest omission in Italian squad is Andrea Pirlo, who was left out of the team. However, Italy also have problems in attack, because they don’t have reliable enough forward. Graziano Pelle of Southampton should be the Conte’s first choice in attack.

Andrea Pirlo is a great player. I had him for three years at Juventus and we won a lot with him. I’m very affectionate to him. But I know that in this moment, I have to find the right choice for Italy and not for my heart. I’m not happy that Andrea isn’t here, but this is life and we must continue.Antonio Conte