Italy’s transformation under Roberto Mancini has been clear for all to see at Euro 2020. Their 100% record in Group A may not have come as much of a surprise to some spectators and the freedom and style they have agreed to in their activities has seen they emerge as one of the favorites for the tournament on its way to the quarterfinals.
Their reward for winning Group A is a clash with Austria, who finished third in Group C, at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. A place in the last eight where they will face the winners in Belgium against Portugal is on the way, but after giving playing time to some of his squad against Wales last weekend, Mancini has some decisions to make regarding his starting XI.
Here is the first XI that the 56-year-old is likely to choose.
Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi replaces Giorgio Chiellini in midfield / Claudio Villa / Getty Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) – Has not set a foot wrong in the tournament so far. A world-class goalkeeper that all clubs in Europe would love to sign this summer.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (RB) – Rest against Wales given that he replaces the first choice Alessandro Florenzi, who is currently struggling with injury.
Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – Departed at half time last Sunday but is perceived to be suitable for the collision with Austria. As Giorgio Chiellini is likely to miss, Bonucci’s experience at the back is invaluable.
Francesco Acerbi (CB) – The Lazio defender is most likely to be called in Chiellini’s absence. Other options include Inter Alessandro Bastoni but Mancini will likely lean on the 33-year-old for his experience.
Leonardo Spinazzola (LB) – One of the outstanding artists in the tournament so far. He gives Italy so much at both ends of the pitch, the prospect of him returning to the Insigne on the left side is likely to cause the Austrian nightmares on the right back.
Marco Verratti was excellent against Wales and is likely to start against Austria / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Nicolo Barella (CM) – Has shown what a well-rounded football player he is and his inclusion is the key to balancing the three – man midfield.
Jorginho (CM) – Italy’s tempo setter or metronome, Jorginho is one of the first names on the team magazine and rightly so.
Marco Verratti (CM) – Leaving Manuel Locatelli out feels incredibly hard but it just shows how much strength deep-seated Italy has. Verratti is Italy’s top midfielder and after returning to fitness he simply has to play.
Domenico Berardi deserves to keep his place in start XI / ETTORE FERRARI / Getty Images
Domenico Berardi (RW) – His inclusion in start XI before Federico Chiesa for the first two group matches came as a surprise to many. But his physical presence gives Italy an outlet if they want to go long. Besides, he’s not a bad football player either.
Ciro Immobile (ST) – Has two goals at the championships so far and is Italy’s excellent alternative in the midgame. Works a lot of the unselfish forward that sometimes slips under the radar.
Lorenzo Insigne (LW) – Loves to cut in on his right foot and especially when he makes Spinazzola bomb on the outside of him. The pair have so far combined brilliantly along that side.
