Outside90’s Matt Nicoletti casts an eye over each and every player that wore the iconic Italian blue at Euro 2016, in a campaign that may not have ended in silverware, but still salvaged plenty of pride.
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Buffon – 9: The captain of the Azzuri was once again tremendous, making crucial stops in every game that saved his team. Sure he only saved one penalty in the shooutout against Germany, however, he does not deserve the blame for that.
Salvatore Sirigu – 6: Only featured in one outing against Ireland where many believe he should have done better to get to the ball, yet the defence should not have lost their markers so easily.
Defenders
Andrea Barzagli – 9.5: Barely put a foot wrong all tournament, continuing his stunning form that was on show with Juventus this season. This was the former 2006 World Cup winner’s final go around for Italy, as he announced his retirement before the competition. He will be sorely missed.
Leonardo Bonucci – 9: Bonucci had a great time in France. It all began with the Andrea Pirlo-esque assist to Emanuele Giaccherini for Italy’s debut goal against Belgium. Bonucci continued to excel during these Euros and converted the penalty take his country to extra-time against Germany.
Giorgio Chiellini – 8.5: The rough and tough defender was crucial to the passionate and aggressive gameplay that Antonio Conte wanted implemented. Chiellini registered a few yellow cards while doing it, however, completed his job extremely well.
Angelo Ogbonna – 6: Replaced Chiellini against Iceland and did a sound job for his debut match in a major tournament.
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Wingbacks
Antonio Candreva – 8.5: Candreva is like a thoroughbred running down that right-flank, beating opposition for both power and pace. His speed and creativity were sorely missed against Germany, factors that could have gotten Italy over the line.
Mattia De Sciglio – 8: An average season at best for Milan did not stop the fullback from having a tremendous international tournament. De Sciglio replaced the disappointing Matteo Darmian against Belgium and was a guarantee in the starting XI from then on.
Alessandro Florenzi – 7.5: Conte put his versatility to good use and played him as a either a central-midfielder or a wingback when needed. Was probably Italy’s best player against Germany besides Buffon.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 6: Did not get a lot of game time, only making two substitute appearances against Belgium and Ireland.
Federico Bernardeschi – 6: Started against the Irish and put in a sound performance for his Euros debut. With experience, he should be a key player for the Azzuri in the future.
Matteo Darmian – 5.5: A disappointing tournament for the Manchester United fullback, who lost his spot in the lineup to counterpart De Sciglio. His lack of confidence was summed up in a missed penalty against Die Mannschaft.
Midfielders
Emanuele Giaccherini – 8.5: Giaccherini proved everyone wrong and even did so out of position in central-midfield. Conte loves his incredible work rate, versatility and perseverance – which all shined through in France.
Marco Parolo – 8: The Lazio midfielder put his body behind every performance for the Azzuri. His work in the middle of the park was deservedly praised by many.
Daniele De Rossi – 8: Many were not expecting the veteran Roman midfielder to make the tournament, however, with injuries to Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, his inclusion was needed. His efforts partially replaced their losses and he was sorely missed against Germany in the quarter-final.
Stefano Sturaro – 6: The Juventus player put in a few decent performances when he was given the chance.
Thiago Motta – 4: Did absolutely nothing when he was on the field. The PSG midfielder’s highlights involved giving away the ball and accumulating yellow cards.
Forwards
Eder – 8: Eder worked his socks off during every single game he played. After not having much luck in the Belgium game, he stepped up from thereon, encapsulated in his great winning goal against Sweden.
Graziano Pelle – 7.5: The late bloomer recorded two goals during the tournament and provided mixed showingsin the games he did not score.
Lorenzo Insigne – 7: Despite his limited time on the field, he made a difference each time he was brought on. Insigne unluckily hit the post twice, and a lot of Azzuri fans were calling for his inclusion a lot earlier against Germany.
Ciro Immobile – 6: Did the most he could in his short appearances for the team.
Simone Zaza – 6: Despite his infamous penalty kick, he did do a great job in assisting Eder’s goal.
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