Italy will get ready for this year’s European Championships by taking on a couple of South American teams during the March International break.
With time running out before the tournament starts, who can force their way into the plans of Luciano Spalletti as Italy look to retain their European crown.
Italy’s March International Fixtures
Italy’s selection of opponents for March will see his them take on teams from South America meaning that their manager has seen something in the style of that football that he thinks can help his team.
Italy are no stranger to playing the best that continent has to offer following numerous memorable battles against the likes of Brazil and Argentina, but Ecuador and Venezuela will provide a different test.
- Thursday March 21 – Italy vs. Venezuela – 21:00
- Sunday March 24 – Ecuador vs. Italy – 20:00
Rivals Analysis
In Ecuador and Venezuela, Italy don’t face the best South America can offer, but they will come up against sides who’ll be confident they can land a blow on Italy.
Moises Caicedo is the main man in the Ecuador midfield and the Chelsea star is fully aware of what it takes to play in big games after starring in the Premier League.
Enner Valencia is another player with Premier League experience and the former West Ham and Everton striker will be responsible for Ecuador in front of goal.
Venezuela have a young squad but it’s two veterans who they’ll rely on. Captain Tomas Rincon, a star for Santos is arguably their most influential player but it’s former Everton star Salomon Rondon who will be the goal threat.
Squad Selection and Player Analysis
Italy’s squad is built of reliable veterans but there has been some exciting call ups in recent years. Nicolo Barella and Jorginho will be the two men responsible for controlling the game for Italy, but who will be the hero in front of goal?
That surely has to fall on the shoulders of both Federico Chiesa and Ciro Immobile. Both have been impressive at club level, but can they transfer that onto the big stage this summer?
In defence, Destiny Udogie has been a revelation since joining Spurs and his recent call up could provide some excitement in the Italy defence.
Tactical Preview
Spaletti has only recently taken over at Italy so it’s unfair to judge the former Napoli manager at this stage as he gets used to his new squad.
In Naples, Spalletti’s side won Serie A and they were very impressive doing so as their relentless pressure made many quality sides submit.
Spalletti’s sides are known for their hard work and constant running and the ability to counter quickly. With Italy’s most famous sides known for the defensive resilience, can Spalletti inject some excitement into one of football’s most successful nations?
The directness of Federico Chiesa will be vital for Spalletti as his tactics will rely on quick attackers who can cause problems and the Juventus attacker can help with that.
Matches Preparations
Italy will use these two fixtures to help pick their best side for the European Championships this summer. They’ll be hopeful they can do well in the Euros, and this will be the time for Spalletti to mould his side.
Can anyone force their way into Spalletti’s plans or does the veteran manager already know his side? Italy will be a major threat in this tournament and teams wanting to know how they set up can take plenty from these fixtures as this is likely to be the last chance that Spalletti can sort a settled team.
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