Italy UEFA Nations League Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide
Yes they failed to make the 2018 World Cup in Russia which was one of the darkest moments in the history of Italian football, however there seems to be a more positive outlook on things to come at the moment. There is the sense that with the probable omission of Danielle De Rossi from the squad, the majority of the old guard have gone. Sure Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci still remain but in terms of most other positions, youngsters are coming in.
Additionally, although it has no effect on the italian national team, the move of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus has seemed to give all of Italian football the boost it badly needed so we would not be surprised to see Italy put on some quality performances against their UEFA Nations League group opponents, Portugal and Poland.
Jorginho of Italy (Getty Images)
The Coach
Roberto Mancini, age 53, (27.11.1964)
The former Internazionale and Manchester City manager takes control of Italy for the upcoming tournament, after the sacking of Gian Piero Ventura due to World Cup failure.
Roberto Mancini of Italy (Getty Images)
Italy UEFA Nations League Group
Portugal are in League A, Group 3 alongside Italy and Poland.
(UEFA)
Italy UEFA Nations League Fixtures
07/09/2018 Friday 20:45 A3 Italy 1 vs Poland 1
10/09/2018 Monday 20:45 A3 Portugal 1 vs Italy 0
14/10/2018 Sunday 20:45 A3 Poland 0 vs Italy 1
17/11/2018 Saturday 20:45 A3 Italy vs Portugal
Italy UEFA Nations League Squad
Roberto Mancini has put some new faces into his UEFA Nations League squad:
GOALKEEPERS: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Mattia Perin (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Turin).
DEFENDERS: Manuel Lazzari (Spal), Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani and Giorgio Chiellini (all three Juventus), Alessio Romagnoli and Mattia Caldara (both Milan), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea).
MIDFIELDERS: Nicolò Barella (Cagliari), Marco Benassi (Fiorentina), Bryan Cristante, (Roma), Roberto Gagliardini (Inter), Jorginho (Chelsea).
FORWARDS: Mario Balotelli (Nice), Simone Zaza and Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Giacomo Bonaventura (Milan), Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
