Italy will look to complete their comeback to the major leagues by lifting the Euro 2020 trophy at the expense of England.
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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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