Italy has witnessed a rebirth since the appointment of Roberto Mancini.
In fact, they haven’t been beaten since 2018, a truly impressive feat.
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They head into the Euros with an incredible 100 per cent record in their qualifying matches, a 25 game unbeaten streak.
After missing out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, many people wrote off the nation but they are ready to prove naysayers wrong.
With a strong squad including defensive anchor Giorgio Chiellini and a manager who has a proven track record for success, Italy could be a dark horse this summer.
The four-time World Cup winners will be looking for their second European Championship trophy.
The nation has seemingly bounced back from its 2018 embarrassment, with a new look and playing style that has already proven successful.
Italy will be strong favourites to top their group which they share with Wales, Turkey and Switzerland.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Alex Meret (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Torino)
Defenders: Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea), Alessandro Florenzi (Paris), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta)
Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Jorginho (Chelsea), Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Stefano Sensi (Inter), Marco Verratti (Paris)
Forwards: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Federico Chiesa (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Sassuolo)
The star man: Gianluigi Donnarumma
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At the age of 22, Gianluigi Donnarumma has racked up an insane 251 appearances for his club.
The world-class goalkeeper is set to leave Milan this summer as his contract expiring, with Chelsea and Manchester United already being linked to him.
A client of super-agent Mino Raiola, he can expect a hefty new salary and a good performance in the Euros would add to his value.
Italian’s will feel in safe hands with Donnarumma between the sticks, his displays have been key to the country’s recent success.
During Italy’s qualifying campaign they conceded four goals, only Belgium had a better defensive record.
The one to look out for: Giacomo Raspadori
Italy have developed some of the finest players in world football throughout the years and Giacomo Raspadori could be the next big thing.
The Sassuolo forward has done enough this season to impress Robert Mancini.
With no caps to his name, Raspadori will have his chance to showcase his talent at one of the biggest stages in international football.
The 21-year-old will provide cover for Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti but with no-one’s place in the starting 11 secured, we could see him fire his way into a starting spot.
His technical ability has left people comparing him to Carlos Tevez and Italian legend Antonio Di Natale, could he follow in their footsteps?
The manager: Roberto Mancini
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56-year-old Roberto Mancini seems to be the perfect manager to bring the nation back to their glory.
The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager has led the nation to a 25 unbeaten streak and has transformed them into a cohesive unit ready to compete.
Mancini, who Premier League fans may remember for bringing Man City their first-ever title took over a struggling Italy in 2018 and hasn’t looked back.
With a well balanced squad with lots of depth, all eyes will be on the gaffer, with hopes they will be victorious.
Although not favourites, Mancini will head into the competition with the belief they can make it far.
The fixtures
All games live on talkSPORT
June 4 – Italy vs Czech Republic 19:45 (friendly)
June 11 – Italy vs Turkey 20:00
June 16 – Italy vs Switzerland 17:00
June 20 – Italy vs Wales 20:00
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