FootballHQ
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Surprised no thread on them so far. Properly going under the radar given I've looked at their squad and they've genuinely got some exciting young players who'll be pushing for starting spots.
Don't think they've even lost a competitive match yet under Mancini and he's given chances to many players below the elite clubs in Serie A, Raspadori who scored loads for Sassuolo in last two months of season got a late call up so could be a Paulo Rossi moment here!
Inter duo Bastoni in defence and Barella in midfield played big parts in their title win, Verrati is fit for once in major tournament so overall strong in defence and midfield and Cheisa hitting some excellent form in last few weeks was a big reason for Juve making top 4 in the end.
Only reservation I have is actually upfront. Everyone knows Immobile's Serie A scoring record but it hasn't quite translated to international level, 12 goals in 45 appearances isn't anything amazing given Belotti has scored the same amount in just 33 games. And rest of their forward options are either untested at highest level or ridiculous inconsistant.
Still can see them making SFs, should win their group and really Italy are the ultimate boom or bust team nowadays, 1st round exit in 2004, win the next world cup, then mediocre showings in 2008 and 10 then make final of euro 2012 then go out of world cup 2014 in first round.....so overdue another good run. I think it happens at this euros.
Don't think they've even lost a competitive match yet under Mancini and he's given chances to many players below the elite clubs in Serie A, Raspadori who scored loads for Sassuolo in last two months of season got a late call up so could be a Paulo Rossi moment here!
Inter duo Bastoni in defence and Barella in midfield played big parts in their title win, Verrati is fit for once in major tournament so overall strong in defence and midfield and Cheisa hitting some excellent form in last few weeks was a big reason for Juve making top 4 in the end.
Only reservation I have is actually upfront. Everyone knows Immobile's Serie A scoring record but it hasn't quite translated to international level, 12 goals in 45 appearances isn't anything amazing given Belotti has scored the same amount in just 33 games. And rest of their forward options are either untested at highest level or ridiculous inconsistant.
Still can see them making SFs, should win their group and really Italy are the ultimate boom or bust team nowadays, 1st round exit in 2004, win the next world cup, then mediocre showings in 2008 and 10 then make final of euro 2012 then go out of world cup 2014 in first round.....so overdue another good run. I think it happens at this euros.