Italy will look to complete their comeback to the major leagues by lifting the Euro 2020 trophy at the expense of England.
Three years after missing the 2018 World Cup, the Azzurri have been the excellent team at this summer’s tournament, but an almost slip-up in the semi-final against Spain has set up what will surely be a captivating final.
This is how Roberto Mancini can set up his page.
Donnarumma joins PSG after the final / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) – By letting in against Spain, Donnarumma’s chances of winning the Golden Glove are gone. He is determined to finish on a high note.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (RB) – Mancini’s decision to market Di Lorenzo over Alessandro Florenzi has been a masterpiece. The Napoli man has been so good all summer.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – This is likely to be Chiellini’s last Euromatch and perhaps his last in a major tournament, and you just know that he will do whatever it takes to get the trophy.
Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – 34-year-old Bonucci may still have a little more left in his mind, but he may never come as close to winning the euro as he is right now.
Emerson (LB) – Leonardo Spinazzola’s injury is a massive blow, but Emerson filled in quite well against Spain. He has definitely added a little extra to his price tag.
Verratti has been excellent / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Jorginho (CM) – A surprising Ballon d’Or candidate, a win here would do a lot for Jorginho’s chances of getting the shiny golden ball.
Marco Verratti (CM) – Verratti has been outstanding this summer, although he is still being cared for in full condition after a knee injury ended his season early. Fair play.
Nicolo Barella (CM) – Barella has fought the competition from Manuel Locatelli for third place in Italy’s midfield and expects that trend to continue here.
Chiesa is now the starting wing / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Federico Chiesa (RW) – The man for the big occasion, Chiesa has shot past Domenico Berardi in chin order with two goals in his last three matches.
Ciro Immobile (ST) – This looks like a tournament to be forgotten for Immobile, but a good performance here can change everything.
Lorenzo Insigne (LW) – Excellent all summer, Insigne will be looking to take advantage of every space behind Kyle Walker in England’s defense.
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