Antonio Conte has named his 27-man squad for Italy’s upcoming friendlies against Spain and Germany which includes debutants and some surprise selections
Conte announced in mid-week that he would be resigning from his post as Italy manager beyond the European Championships in June. However, he still has a job to do and has been given the tough task of selecting a squad to represent the side in a couple months-time. Right now, he is in the process of trialling and running his eye over numerous players who will represent Italy in France. Conte named two debutants, along with a number of uncanny selections which have already deemed to be unpopular amongst the fans of the Azzurri.
Goalkeepers
Conte named the usual three goalkeepers who seemed destined to take Italy through to the Euro’s in June.
Gianluigi Buffon, the undisputed 38 year-old and the captain will be the certain number one. His form as of late has been awe inspiring and broke the Serie A goalkeeping record for the most minutes without conceding. The legend of the Italian peninsular had not conceded for 974 minutes, breaking the record set by former Milan keeper, Sebastiano Rossi during the 1993-94 season.
His back-up’s, Salvatore Sirigu and Mattia Perin have both endured differing seasons with the former experiencing a serious lack of game time at PSG. Whilst Perin has been the definite number one for Genoa this season and his abilities seem to grow each and every season. Conte’s decision to select Sirigu is still labelled a risk due to his absence of regular playing time. However, due to the thin goal-keeping ranks in Italy’s possession, his position is a lock in for the time being.
Defenders
The defence of Italy has been one of the Azzurri’s prized possessions throughout history by developing some of the greatest defenders in world football. With the exception of Giorgio Chiellini who is out with an injury, the centre-backs are predominantly the usual options in which Conte selects.
Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci are certain starters due to their collaboration for club as well as national duties. The deputies, Davide Astori and Andrea Ranocchia have been certain squad members over the past few years. However, Ranocchia has done little to impress this season and the exclusion of Alessio Romagnoli has proven to be an unpopular decision from the manager. Francesco Acerbi also gets another well-deserved taste at international football after sublime performances of late for Sassuolo.
The full-backs, Matteo Darmian and Luca Antonelli are looking certainties to be on the plane to France and their selection has been well deserved. Although, Lorenzo De Silvestri surprisingly got selected ahead of Ignazio Abate whose form for Milan has been exquisite and been a bright spark the past few weeks. It comes as another interesting decision from Conte.
Midfielders
A midfield without Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio will be present upon Italy’s upcoming fixtures.
The burden heavily falling on the shoulders of the ever-developing Marco Verratti and his PSG team-mate Thiago Motta who returns to the squad after a lengthy absence. Riccardo Montolivo, Marco Parolo, Alessandro Florenzi, Emmanuele Giaccherini and Roberto Soriano are all given opportunities to impress ahead of the European Championships in that midfield role. With Florenzi likely to be plying his trade as a full-back, the rest will be along with Thiago Motta vying for a plane ticket. All these selections are justified by producing commendable performances in recent times.
A debut has also fallen on the shoulders of the Brazilian born Jorginho whose selection has been well backed. The more attacking midfielders, Giacomo Bonaventura and Antonio Candreva who look almost certainties to be on their way to the Euros are once again selected. A solid midfield chosen with vast experience and a scope for success in June.
Forwards
The conundrum that is the Italy attack. A vast array of wingers and small attacking midfielders, but an insufficiency of centre forwards present a major headache to Conte.
Stephan El Sharaawy and Lorenzo Insigne both headline the talent on both wings with Fernando Bernadeschi also rewarded with his first Italian call-up. All three earning a reprieve amongst the Italian ranks with their brilliant club form. Graziano Pelle, Eder and Simone Zaza all return to the squad with the three hoping to find some fettle ahead of the Euros as the three loom as their best hopes in front of goal. Ciro Immobile was also given a re-call and since returning to Torino has impressed. But the critics are still out as to whether he has rediscovered his goal scoring form of 2013-14.
Manolo Gabbiadini and Sebastian Giovinco are the others knocking the door of selection, but will have to prove their credentials through their respective clubs. An interesting attack and the juries will be out in both friendlies as to whether they are able to shoulder the responsibility of the Italian front-line.
Conclusion
A clear outlook into Conte’s side for the upcoming friendlies displays a good mix of experience and youth. The squad who are missing Chiellini, Pirlo, De Rossi and Marchisio are without some of their most senior members. However, the opportunity has arisen for players such as Motta, Jorginho, Acerbi and Giaccherini to take their chances in the squad. The questionable decisions to exclude Romagnoli, Abate and even youngster Daniele Baselli in place of Andrea Ranocchia and Lorenzo De Silvestri may come as a costly one from Conte. Time will tell, the faith must be kept. The Italian squad has a strong history of performing when they have got no expectations to succeed. Maybe tradition will follow suit.
Forza Azzurri
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