UEFA Euro 2020 preview: Is powerhouse Italy the dark horse?

UEFA Euro 2020 would be the 16th edition of the prestigious European national championship. Italy is one of the sides to have won the title back in 1968 and finished as runner-up on a couple of occasions later. Can it be a dark horse this term?

The excitement seems to be intensifying with each passing day as the date to UEFA Euro 2020 draws closer. While defending champion Portugal would be the most-watched out team, other teams, too, carry the tag of a contender.

Speaking of a title contender, Italy is one such team that is a powerhouse in European football, known for its strong defensive display. However, does that make it the dark horse of the tournament? Let's find out through the team preview.

Team composition
Starting with its goalkeeping department, there seems to be a void left behind by the legendary Gianluigi Buffon. As of now, it is Salvatore Sirigu and Gianluigi Donnarumma who headline the department. However, being just roughly 30-game-old, they will indeed be under pressure.

As for its strong defence, the department would be headlined by skipper Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus. Being the veteran in the sector along with Leonardo Bonucci, he would have Alessandro Florenzi to assist him, while the remaining defenders are comparatively inexperienced but talented enough.

In the midfield, Marco Verratti of Paris Saint-Germain is undoubtedly the man who would lead it. However, barring him, Chelsea's Jorginho and Inter Milan's Nicolò Barella will have a job to assist Verratti in the best possible way.

And, for the forward line-up, it lacks enormous names. However, Lazio's Ciro Immobile and Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne are veterans. At the same time, Federico Bernardeschi and Federico Chiesa from Juventus are also likely to come in handy throughout the tournament.

Players to watch out
Chiellini: The defender was the lone star in Juventus's defensive line-up, while his side considerably struggled. Still, it is unlikely to be the case with Italy, as he will have Bonucci support him; while known for his ability to mark the man, Chiellini would be challenging to penetrate.

Verratti: The midfielder has been great for PSG this season. Although he did not score, he was highly proactive in building up and play-making skills. Thus, with Jorginho on his side, he is sure to deliver.

Jorginho: As for Verratti's partner, Jorginho had a terrific season for Chelsea, playing 48 games this season and scoring eight goals. Besides, winning the UEFA Champions League boosts his morale and would be a force in the Italian midfield.

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Salvatore Sirigu, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alex Meret.
Defenders: Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Alessandro Florenzi, Emerson, Francesco Acerbi, Leonardo Spinazzola, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Gianluca Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni and Rafael Tolói.
Midfielders: Marco Verratti, Jorginho, Nicolò Barella, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, Manuel Locatelli, Stefano Sensi and Matteo Pessina.
Strikers: Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Andrea Belotti, Federico Bernardeschi, Federico Chiesa, Domenico Berardi and Matteo Politano.

Vital stat
In an exciting stat involving the side, it remained unbeaten in all its ten qualifying matches and is only the seventh side in the Euro Qualifiers history to do so. It is also on a 25-game unbeaten run, losing just a couple of the 28 games under reigning manager Roberto Mancini.

Chances and prediction
Judging by the current form, it looks certain that the side is going past the group stage. Although the squad remains relatively inexperienced, it is a powerhouse and cannot be counted out at any cost. Furthermore, if Mancini could allow his boys to continue with the same intensity, it is sure to reach the semis at least, making it a dark horse.

Italy fixtures
Italy is placed in Group A, alongside Switzerland, Turkey and Wales.
June 11: vs Turkey (Rome)
June 16: vs Switzerland (Rome)
June 20: vs Wales (Rome)

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