Gattuso’s Italy: A Deep Dive into the Azzurri’s Future Squad
Italy’s national team manager, Gennaro Gattuso, is actively shaping the future of the Azzurri, meticulously selecting a squad capable of competing for the World Cup, and beyond. His approach involves personal meetings with potential players, a strategy that signals a commitment to building a cohesive and motivated team.
Key Players Identified
Gattuso’s list includes established leaders like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolò Barella, and Sandro Tonali. Emerging talents such as Daniel Vergara, Tommaso Palestra, Francesco Pisilli, and Fabio Miretti are also under consideration. Experienced players like Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Gianluca Maldini, and Giorgio Gatti are being re-evaluated for potential roles. Ahanor, currently without Italian citizenship, is also being monitored.
A Unique Selection Process
Rather than traditional training camps, Gattuso is opting for a series of individual meetings with players, spanning locations from London to Naples, and even extending to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This unconventional approach reflects the current challenges in scheduling and the need to connect with players across various leagues.
Goalkeeping Strength
Italy appears well-positioned in goal, with Donnarumma leading the way. Vicario, Carnesecchi, Caprile, and Meret provide strong competition and depth.
Defensive Considerations
Gattuso’s preferred 3-5-2 formation requires a robust defensive line. Mancini, Bastoni, and Calafiori are potential starters, but the team lacks a defender comparable to the legendary Fabio Cannavaro. There’s an abundance of left-footed center-backs, but fewer options on the right. Gabbia, Buongiorno, and Scalvini are also in contention, with Ahanor potentially adding to the left-sided options upon gaining Italian citizenship.
Midfield Dynamics
The midfield is expected to be anchored by Locatelli, Barella, and Tonali. Cristante offers an alternative to Locatelli, whereas Frattesi provides cover for Barella. Verratti has been invited to rejoin the squad, potentially adding a creative spark. Rovella, Ricci, Pisilli, Miretti, Pellegrini, and Fabbian complete the midfield options.
Attacking Options
The attacking line features Kean, Retegui, Esposito, Scamacca, and Raspadori, offering versatility in a potential two-striker system. Gnonto and Leoni were invited to meet with Gattuso, but were unable to attend.
Potential Starting XI
A potential starting lineup in the 3-5-2 formation could include Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, and Retegui. However, Gattuso emphasizes that the list is not final and players like Palestra, Verratti, and Vergara could also feature.
FAQ
- Who is the current manager of the Italian national team? Gennaro Gattuso.
- What formation is Gattuso currently favoring? A 3-5-2 formation.
- Which players are considered the leaders of the team? Donnarumma, Barella, and Tonali.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on the development of emerging talents like Vergara, Palestra, Pisilli, and Miretti – they could be key players for Italy in the coming years.
Stay tuned for further updates as Gattuso finalizes his squad and prepares the Azzurri for their upcoming challenges.
