Plenty to look forward to for the Azzurri
Italy start their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign on Saturday in Friuli when they host Finland in Udine and they should start with a win.
Mancini starts the new era
The Italian side that failed to qualify for the World Cup took one hell of a beating in the media back home but they have a chance to put that disappointment behind them when they take on Finland in Udine on Saturday.
Roberto Mancini has named a very attack minded squad which, considering his style as a player, should come as no surprise to anyone.
The Nations League was frustrating for the Azzurri who, despite putting in some good performances, failed to get the results those display perhaps deserved. That should be seen as a learning curve for a side bringing through a number of young, talented players.
This side may need some time to hit the heights seen in previous generations but there a green shoots already protruding from the soil of the peninsula famous for growing world class talent.
Trust in youth
Roberto Mancini still has the old heads of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci to call upon for experience but it is the youth within this Azzurri squad that will be key to the future success of the Italian national side.
Players like Alessio Romagnoli have played a lot of football at the top level despite still only being 24-years-old and he should be a mainstay in this side for many years.
In midfield, the tenacious talent of Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella is going to be very interesting to watch over the coming seasons. His energy and ability on the ball are impressive but he can also take on his man and lead by example despite being only 22-years-old.
In the midfield with him is another talented youngster in Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo. The 19-year-old will be hoping to make his first senior appearance for the national side having come through the at youth level. His performances in a Roma shirt have been one of the few plus points in a difficult season for the Giallorossi.
Attack, attack, attack
Mancini has named no less than 10 attackers in his squad to face Finland and Liechtenstein with mainstays such as Ciro Immobile and Fabio Quagliarella just two of a highly talented bunch.
Again youth is at the heart of Mancini’s choices with 25-year-old Federico Bernardeschi and Federico Chiesa both excellent players for their clubs Juventus and Fiorentina respectively.
Kean to impress
Another of the young, attacking core is Juventus striker Moise Kean. The 19-year-old has already shown this season that he can be a match winner following a brace in the Old Lady’s win against Udinese a few weeks ago and he will be another starlet looking to make a big impression.
Betting tip
With Italy full of bright young stars looking to impress it is hard not to be hopeful that they will make a good impression on Saturday. That is why betting on the Azzurri to win both halves at odds of 21/10 looks like it could, like this Italy side, offer some promising returns.
