Has Italy done enough to show it is a Euro 2024 contender?

Italy and Croatia face off in matchday three at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany. Both are in the running to advance from Group B alongside Spain, as the Spaniards knocked off both sides in group play. Italy’s 1-0 loss at the hands of Spain happened at the same time as Croatia’s 2-2 draw with Albania. Consequently, Croatia is in a must-win situation, while Italy can reach the round of 16 with a draw.

These two teams have met thrice since 2012, with each contest finishing in a 1-1 draw. If that were to happen on Monday, Italy would be through to the round of 16 in its European Championship title defense. Croatia, the third-place team at the 2022 World Cup and the runner-up in the most recent UEFA Nations League would bow out.

The onus remains on Italy, which fell to Spain in a rematch of the Euro 2020 semifinals. There were positive signs, though, that Italy can take into a crucial game in Euro 2024.

Making the necessary changes

Although Gianluca Scamacca started two games without producing results, the potential of Mateo Retegui and Giacomo Raspadori, as demonstrated when they came off the bench in the second half against Spain, brings a sense of optimism. Their tenacity in hunting down the ball and making clean tackles is a promising sign. Luciano Spalletti will need to rethink his strategy; including Retegui and Raspadori in the lineup for their third match against Croatia seems not just necessary but potentially game-changing.

“Scamacca was not very active; he did not dictate the tempo, suggest a pass, come forward, and he did not attack the depth.” Arrigo Sacchi said. The respected boss coached the Nazionale at Euro 1996 and chimed in with his post-match thoughts about the Atalanta striker.

Gianluca Scamacca, a player with a unique skill set, excels in anticipating rare opportunities for headers and one-touch volleys from crosses. His offensive struggles with hold-up play and inaccurate one-touch passes using the back of his heel…

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/has-italy-done-enough-to-show-it-is-a-euro-2024-contender/

Author : Ardalan Pourvali

Publish date : 2024-06-24 14:36:12

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