Italy Euro 2020: Team News, Odds & Predictions
1968 European champions will be hoping to make another charge for the title at Euro 2020 this summer. The Azzurri were finalists in both 2000 and 2012, with their performances during Euro 2020 qualifying suggesting that they could be one of the favourites. Roberto Mancini’s side have been drawn in Group A, alongside Turkey, Wales and Switzerland.
With all three of their group matches taking place at the familiar surroundings of the Stadio Olimpico Stadium in Rome, Italy are odds on to reach the knockout phase. So, just how far can Italy go at Euro 2020? This page will take a detailed look at the team, including their star players, strengths and weaknesses. We will also consider betting markets surrounding Italy, before delivering our prediction.
Italy History
Italy are 4x World Cup winners, with their last success having come in 2006. Italy beat France on penalties to win the tournament. However, recent showings at major tournaments have been disappointing. Having been eliminated at the group stage at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, they failed to make the finals in 2018. Meanwhile, they were knocked out at the quarter final stage of Euro 2016 by Germany.
How Italy Qualified for Euro 2020
Italy won 10 out of 10 qualifying matches to reach Euro 2020 with ease. Scoring 37 goals and conceding just 4, the likes of Finland, Greece and Bosnia Herzegovina were no match for the Azzurri. Their campaign included a massive 9-1 win over Armenia and a 6-0 success over Liechtenstein. Torino striker Andrea Belotti finished as Italy’s top scorer during qualifying, with just four goals to his name. This was compared to the 10 scored by Finland’s Teemu Pukki.
Italy in Group A
Italy will take part in the opening match of Euro 2020, when they go head to head with Turkey in Rome on June 11. Meanwhile, their chances of progression will also be dependent on ties against Switzerland and Wales. Opening matches of major tournaments are generally cagy affairs, however Italy are the favourites to claim all three points against Turkey. However, with both teams being good defensively, a close encounter is expected. The following are how Italy’s Group A encounters look:
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Italy Euro 2020: Odds & Predictions
Italy are one of the outside picks to win Euro 2020. While perhaps not having the star names as they had in the past, Italy are likely to be backed by many punters. For those looking to place an outright bet on the Azzurri becoming European champions for the first time since 1968, the following are the pre-tournament odds from leading online bookmakers:
| Bet365 | 11/1 | |
| Tonybet | 14/1 | |
| 888Sport | 10/1 | |
| SportNation | 11/1 | |
| Betfair | 9/1 | |
| NetBet | 11/1 | |
| William Hill | 11/1 | |
| Ladbrokes | 9/1 |
Elsewhere, odds of 6/4 from Betfair are available for Italy to reach the semi finals. Meanwhile, Lazio striker Ciro Immobile is 50/1 with Betfair, Bet365 and Paddy Power to win the player of the tournament award. Felow striker Belotti is priced the same to win the Golden Boot award this summer.
The Manager
Roberto Mancini has been in charge of the Italian national team since May 2018, taking over from caretaker boss Luigi Di Biagio. Mancini’s managerial career began at Fiorentina in 2001, before taking charge at Lazio, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Galatasaray and Zenit St Petersburg. Having led Italy to a 100% winning Euro 2020 qualifying campaign, Mancini signed a new 5-year contract in May 2021. Mancini is very much about building from the back. Meanwhile, he is someone who rarely hides his emotions.
Mancini led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012, having previously helped Inter Milan in winning three consecutive Serie A titles between 2006-2008. Mancini was added to the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Standout Players
The likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci bring huge experience to the Italian squad, backed up nicely by Marco Verratti, Immobile and Alessandro Florenzi. Juventus winger Federico Chiesa provides speed and skill from the wing, while midfielder Manuel Locatelli looks set to secure a move to one of European football’s biggest clubs after the tournament. Manager Mancini named a 33-man squad for their pre-tournament friendly against San Marino. A maximum of 26 players will be named for Euro 2020 itself.
Italy’s Strengths & Weaknesses
The Italian game has long surrounded being strong defensively. The experience available in this area makes Italy a tough team to break down. However, with legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon having retired from the international scene, Italy will likely turn to AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who will make his debut at a major tournament.
The lack of a world class striker could also be an issue for Italy. Bellotti and Immobile can certainly score goals, however they are perhaps lacking a Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski or Karim Benzema. However, given their history at major tournaments, Italy know how to win one-off matches, even if it requires extra time and penalties.
Our Prediction for Italy at Euro 2020
Given their recent showings, Italy certainly have what it takes to go deep into the tournament this summer. They should finish top of Group A, which would likely see them come up against either Holland or Ukraine in the Round of 16. As a result, a quarter final finish would be the minimum expectation for Italy. Italy are 8/13 with William Hill to reach the semi-finals, which is a very appealing market.
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