Former Italy international Emanuele Giaccherini believes the Azzurri are capable of winning Euro 2020 and feels they are strong in midfield with Inter’s Nicolo Barella.
Roberto Mancini’s side are amongst the favourites for the tournament this summer and the ex-Inter coach is likely to involve Barella heavily, as Italy target a first European Championship win since 1968.
In an interview with Italian television channel Sky Sport Italia earlier today ahead of Mancini’s squad announcement, Giaccherini offered his opinion on the Azzurri’s chances.
“I am convinced that Italy can be successful. They have shown that they can play against anyone. The turning point was against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, they understood that by winning games like that they can be amongst the favourites,” the former Juventus and Napoli winger claimed.
“The players are there and Mancini did a great job. Winning is always difficult, there are many variables. The path taken by Italy is the right one they can go all the way.”
Giaccherini felt that Italy had a good blend of youth and experience, whilst he felt that having versatility in the squad was essential, after representing the Azzurri at Euro 2012 under Cesare Prandelli, and Euro 2016 under ex-Inter coach Antonio Conte.
“There is a mix, with players like [Leonardo] Bonucci, [Giorgio] Chiellini, Jorginho and [Ciro] Immobile who have experience, and those like Barella and [Federico] Chiesa who already play in great teams and who have won titles. They are young but experienced.
“Mancini has a solid block of 20 in his head. Then there are the other six who deserve to be called up. He will have to make his choices considering everything.
“There are players who can fill more than one role and in a European Championship they can be decisive. At Euro 2012 we reached the final after beating Germany with six or seven injuries. Versatile players can make a difference.”
The Chievo player compared the current squad to that under Conte five years ago and felt that the midfield was particularly strong, whilst also praising the former Nerrazzurri tactician.
“This team reminds me of Conte’s in 2016 from the group point of view. In addition, this has stronger players than in 2016. It has a crazy midfield with Barella, [Marco] Verratti and Jorginho, who are top players.
“There are stronger nations on paper, such as France, Belgium and England, but I believe that with a cohesive group you can make up for the gap on the others.
“Conte is one of the top three or four coaches in the world. The important available jobs are Real Madrid and Tottenham. For him, Madrid can be the culmination of an extraordinary career. I would see him doing well there,” he concluded.
