Euro 2024 Group B: Can Italy do it again?
Italy’s journey has been unusual. After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, it went on a 37-game unbeaten run under Roberto Mancini and won Euro 2020. However, it failed to qualify for the World Cup again in 2022 in Qatar.
As the defending champion, Italy should feel inspired. Luciano Spalletti, who took over after Mancini’s resignation, is at the helm. With Spalletti preferring the 4-3-3 formation, Italy will look for a solid back four, supported by a defensive midfielder, making Jorginho crucial.
In defence, Destiny Udogie’s injury is unfortunate, but uncapped Andrea Cambiaso has a chance to impress. Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni are almost certain to start.
Italy’s attack is a concern, with Spalletti lacking a world-class No. 9. Europa League winner Gianluca Scamacca has just one goal in 15 appearances while Federico Chiesa will hope to find his Euro 2020 form.
Dark horses no more
The phrases ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Giant Killer’ were often associated with Croatia, but it has moved past the underdog trope. Croatia’s ‘Golden Generation’ is ageing, and several players have retired from international football, but its consistency makes it difficult to count it out on the big stage.
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Midfield is Croatia’s strongest department, featuring Luka Modrić (left; in blue), Mateo Kovačić, and Marcelo Brozovic. However, at 38, Modrić’s match time needs to be managed properly by Zlatko Dalic to get the best out of the Croatia captain.
Dominik Livaković is the preferred choice in goal. In front of him, he will have a solid balance of experience in Domagoj Vida and youth in Joško Gvardiol. Josip Stanišić and Josip Juranović should be the preferred fullbacks.
Captain fantastic: Luka Modric (front) has led Croatia to the final of the FIFA World Cup 2018 and the UEFA Nations League and will look to go the distance in the European Championship in Germany this month.
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Captain fantastic: Luka Modric (front) has led Croatia to the final of the FIFA World Cup 2018 and the UEFA Nations League and will look to go the distance in the European Championship in Germany this month.
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Veteran Ivan Perišić will, as usual, pose a threat in the forward line and will be expected to support the likes of Andrej Kramarić and Bruno Petković, while Kramarić has the best statistics among the available forwards.
With Croatia’s best finishes in this tournament being quarterfinal appearances in 1996 and 2008, head coach Dalić knows that Euro 2024 is the last chance to win a trophy with the remaining members of this generation.
The next chapter for La Roja
After Spain’s ‘Golden Generation’, it can write a new chapter with the enviable talent in its ranks. Winner of the Nations League under new manager Luis de la Fuente, Spain has a refreshed look, making it a title contender.
Unai Simon should be the preferred choice between the sticks. In front of him, centre-back Aymeric Laporte will partner with Robin Le Normand. Alejandro Grimaldo as left fullback is almost a certainty after winning the title with Bayer Leverkusen.
In midfield, Spain has Rodri — arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football. Pedri’s vision to unlock defences should be crucial for Spain, but his fitness will be a crucial factor. His Barcelona teammate Gavi, who will miss out due to injury, is a big loss for La Roja.
Lamine Yamal has grabbed headlines as the ‘next big thing’ and should be one of the first names in the Spain attack. However, at 16, Yamal will need to be managed by De La Fuente carefully to prevent injuries or fatigue. Alvaro Morata looks likely to play the No. 9 role.
For the wingers, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, and Ferran Torres are likely contenders. The coach needs to select his wingers carefully, as his preferred 4-3-3 formation will depend heavily on how the wingers service the centre-forward.
The odd one out
Albania finds itself out of place in a group of heavyweights, and coach Sylvinho will need a miraculous effort to achieve a positive result from the group.
Despite having experienced players like Ivan Balliu and Elseid Hysaj in defence, Nedim Bajrami in midfield, and Armando Broja in attack, Albania’s squad is vastly inferior on paper compared to Italy, Spain, and Croatia.
ALSO READ: Spain at Euro 2024: Full squad, preview, match schedule, live streaming info, kick-off timings
However, having secured a top-two position in its qualifying group to advance directly, it will take inspiration from all the underdogs who have beaten stronger teams before.
Knockouts prediction:
With three strong teams, it will be daring to assume which teams would qualify. However, Italy and Spain look likely to advance from Group B. Croatia is also a strong contender, but an ageing squad might prevent it from replicating its consistent performance on the international stage.
Players to watch out for:
Rodri
Pivotal presence: Rodri’s presence in midfield and his balance between his astute defensive and attacking capabilities make him a player to watch out for in the Euros.
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Pivotal presence: Rodri’s presence in midfield and his balance between his astute defensive and attacking capabilities make him a player to watch out for in the Euros.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
Replacing a player like Sergio Busquets is no easy feat. His composure and skill on the ball gave Spain stability in midfield. But in Rodri, La Roja finally has an able central defender who can pull the strings from midfield. Despite having a different profile than Busquets, Rodri’s presence in midfield and his balance between his astute defensive and attacking capabilities make him a player to watch out for in the Euros.
Gianluca Scamacca
Time to shine: With Italy lacking a proven No. 9, Gianluca Scamacca will be eager to step up in his country’s title defence.
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Time to shine: With Italy lacking a proven No. 9, Gianluca Scamacca will be eager to step up in his country’s title defence.
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Despite having poor statistics in national colours, it cannot be negated that Scamacca had an excellent season (19 goals and eight assists) with Atalanta, winning the Europa League. With Italy lacking a proven No. 9, Scamacca will be eager to step up in his country’s title defence.