After the heartache Italian fans had to endure after not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, there is much optimism restored amongst the Azzurri given their impressive form leading up to Euro 2020. The Italians are looking strong and are many people’s dark horses for the tournament and look to be a potential threat to England in the later stages of the competition and could upset England’s chances to bring the trophy home.
Roberto Mancini has seen his side have the perfect qualifying campaign for this summer’s European Championship. The team is currently on a 26-match unbeaten run which is the second longest in their history and boasts one of Europe’s top marksmen in Ciro Immobile.
Supported by an excellent blend of youth and experience in their squad they need to get the most out of their star attacker if they are to truly challenge for major honours and much rests on playmaker Marco Verratti and whether he can overcome injury to conduct proceedings in midfield.
Live Stream England, Italy, and Other Euro 2020 Matches
So you can watch all the games and assess which teams look in form and are likely to beat England. You can stream the games live on your PC or mobile. There is quality information on live streaming on the Web where you can find out how to stream the games from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. VPNs are often a good idea to bypass geo blocks so you can watch platforms such as the BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, or Fudo TV from the US. Whether you are in the UK or overseas, you have plenty of options available to you!
Will Ciro Immobile finally show up in Italian colours?
Immobile has not quite performed at his club level when he wears the national team colours. The pressure of taking a starring role in attack, which has seen great strikers before him, true legends of the game, hinder him and he has not yet overcome the trauma of failing to score in two games against Sweden in a World Cup play-off back in November 2017 which ultimately cost the nation its place at the finals.
His performances In Serie A are consistently eye-catching for Lazio, however when the players come together on the international stage, he has done little to endear himself to the Azzurri faithful. This could be his tournament, his moment to shine and make amends. Italy has an experienced manager, a typically robust and solid defence, guile and creativity in midfield with Jorginho and hopefully Marco Verratti, both able to dictate any game.
Marco Verratti the key but will he actually play?
Perhaps the key component, the maestro in midfield, Marco Verratti’s inclusion, brought mixed feelings amongst the Italian nation. Struggling with injuries, as he has much of his career, Verratti will aim to play his part, though the first game will certainly come too soon for the PSG midfield playmaker. Mancini aims to have him ready for the knockout, but first they must navigate their way through what seems like a straightforward group.
Italy to have favourable draw
Italy has a great opportunity to reach the knockouts relatively unscathed if form is to go by. They face Turkey in the tournament opener on Friday, followed up with a tricky fixture against Switzerland and face off against Wales in their last match. Topping the group would give them a favourable draw in the knockouts, however, they are on course to meet Belgium in the semi-final should both sides progress that far.
However, this is the Italian national side, one that has had its fair share of moments of disbelief, especially in group stages at major tournaments. If they are to progress, they will surely need Immobile firing and Verratti 100% fit and ready.
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