Italy Again Confound Critics with No-Nonsense Approach That Is Reaping Rewards

Italy came into their Euro 2016 game against Sweden knowing that it would be a different test than the one they passed against Belgium in Group E on Monday. The Belgians and their high-octane attack were going to look to play on the front foot, allowing holes for the Italians to play through a makeshift defensive line that was missing three players due to injury.   The Swedes, on the other hand,... 

Italy Must Continue Playing as a Unit in Group Stage Match vs. Sweden

Two nights have passed since Italy’s 2-0 upset win over Belgium in Monday’s Group E opener, and it still hasn’t fully sunk in. The Italians came into the game as the very definition of uncertainty. Manager Antonio Conte‘s squad selection had caused a whirlwind of controversy, and injuries had deprived the team of their two best midfielders in Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti.... 

Italy Outplays and Outcoaches Belgium in Euro 2016 Opener

The 2016 UEFA European Championship began for Italy on Monday with a marquee tilt against Belgium. The Belgians came into the game as one of the hot favorites in the tournament.  They spent a good portion of 2016 at the top of the FIFA world rankings and came to the tournament ranked No. 2—the highest ranking of any team in the finals. The Azzurri arrived at the sparkling new Stade de Lyon the... 

Thiago Motta as Italy’s No. 10 Inconsequential to the Azzurri’s Euro 2016 Quest

In the week since Italy manager Antonio Conte announced his final choices for his 23-man roster for the 2016 UEFA European Championship, there has been a lot of controversy in his selections. Faced with a rash of injuries, especially to his midfield, the former Juventus boss went for experience over youth.  Inexperienced but talented players like Giacomo Bonaventura, Marco Benassi and Jorginho... 

Italy Ease Past Finland in Final Friendly Test, but Questions Remain

The Italian national team took the field against Finland for their final friendly before the 2016 European Championship with questions left to answer.  There were still major doubts as to what the team’s best setup was in midfield, as well as on the forward line. When Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis blew his whistle for the final time, the Azzurri had a 2-0 victory—the first time they had... 

Italy Should Test Stefano Sturaro in Friendly vs. Finland

Italy coach Antonio Conte has submitted his 23-man roster for the 2016 UEFA European Championship, and there is some consternation on the peninsula. That’s not without reason. This is without doubt the weakest team Italy has sent to a major tournament finals in decades. They do have the benefit of the best goalkeeper who’s ever played the game in Gianluigi Buffon and an elite defensive... 

Leonardo Bonucci’s Evolution as a Leader Key for Italy in Euro 2016

Six years is a long time. In football—a sport that often marks time in four-year World Cup cycles—it’s especially long. A lot of things can change in that period. Teams can rise and fall. Players develop, get hurt, regress, succeed or are ruined. Everything can change in six years. No one exemplifies that better than Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci. Six seasons ago, Bonucci... 

Alessandro Florenzi’s Versatility Could Be Vital to Italy’s Euro 2016 Campaign

As one Italy international has discovered, versatility can be a blessing and a curse in sports. A pitcher in baseball who can be effective as either a starter or reliever is often bounced between both roles, to the point where their growth can be stunted and they never realize their potential.  In basketball, a player who can play multiple roles on the floor was, until recently, vastly undervalued... 

Imprecise Italy Leaves Scotland Friendly with Few Answers

On Sunday, Italy arrived in Malta for their first friendly match in their run-up to the 2016 UEFA European Championship. The match against Scotland, played in the Maltese national stadium in Ta’ Qali, was also the only game for Antonio Conte to evaluate his 30-man provisional roster before Tuesday’s deadline for submitting his final squad. That gave the game an importance far beyond... 

Italy National Team’s Midfield Must Take Shape in Scotland Friendly

As the Italian national team begin their final preparation for the 2016 UEFA European Championship, there are major worries about an important part of the team. Italy’s midfield is in shambles.  Coach Antonio Conte is heading into the Euros with severe injury problems in his team’s power plant. Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, a midfield staple for both club and country, tore... 

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Latest News

• Former England Manager Graham Taylor Dies at Age 72
• Bruce Arena Names USMNT January Camp Invitees
• Karamoko Dembele Makes England U15s Debut After Playing for Scotland in November
• USMNT Watch: Bobby Wood Nets 1st Bundesliga Goal Since September
• Rugby Player Bruno Andres Doglioli Banned 3 Years for Tackling Female Referee