Team: ITALY
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Italyhttps://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/66--italy/
Captain: Giorgio Chiellini
Key Players: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Nicolò Barella; Marco Verratti
Potential Breakout Player: Federico Chiesa
Notable Absentees: Moise Kean (non-selection); Nicolo Zaniolo (injury)
Best Historical Finish: Winners (1968)
Minimum Expectation: Quarterfinals
How Far Could They Go: Winner
Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Lorenzo Insigne (MID - 8.5m)
The Italians will enter the tournament seeking to exorcize recent tournament demons. This is not the old Italy. It is a squad boasting a plethora of young talent, albeit mostly in midfield and wide areas. Notorious for being ultra adept at defending, this version of Azzurri play a refreshing brand of football which is far more attacking than historical Italian squads. Italy was perfect in qualifying winning all ten games, conceding just four and scored thirty-seven, topping the section over Finland. This will be their 10th appearance at a Euros but it has been an eternity since their only win back in 1968.
The nadir of having missed out on qualification for Russia 2018 has been gradually put to the side, the perfect qualification campaign grew into a successful UEFA Nations League campaign where they qualified to be one of the semifinalists - the others being Belgium, France and Spain, nice company to keep. They will return seven of the squad which exceeded expectations at Euro 2016, but there will be eighteen of the squad making their bow at a major international tournament. The overhaul and rebuild is ahead of schedule, but the first tournament test is at hand.
The Italians will enter the tournament seeking to exorcize recent tournament demons. This is not the old Italy. It is a squad boasting a plethora of young talent, albeit mostly in midfield and wide areas. Notorious for being ultra adept at defending, this version of Azzurri play a refreshing brand of football which is far more attacking than historical Italian squads. Italy was perfect in qualifying winning all ten games, conceding just four and scored thirty-seven, topping the section over Finland. This will be their 10th appearance at a Euros but it has been an eternity since their only win back in 1968.
The nadir of having missed out on qualification for Russia 2018 has been gradually put to the side, the perfect qualification campaign grew into a successful UEFA Nations League campaign where they qualified to be one of the semifinalists - the others being Belgium, France and Spain, nice company to keep. They will return seven of the squad which exceeded expectations at Euro 2016, but there will be eighteen of the squad making their bow at a major international tournament. The overhaul and rebuild is ahead of schedule, but the first tournament test is at hand.
Roberto Mancini took over in 2018 to lead the rebuild and has firmly placed his stamp on the squad, making the unit difficult to break down but playing a more expansive game. The team is now wed to a 4-3-3 formation and a relatively predictable starting line when everyone is fit. Donnarumma starts in goal behind a back four of Florenzi, Bonucci, Chiellini and Spinazzola. The midfield trio when everyone is fit will be Barella, Verratti and Jorginho behind an attacking trio of Insigne, Immobile and Chiesa. There are able deputies in every position with Acerbi, Locatelli, Pellegrini, Berardi and Belotti the primary alternates as either spot starters or impact substitutes. There is an element of no fear from the group and whilst most play for more modest clubs than the typical Serie A giants, they play consistently and almost all to a man enter the tournament in good form. The wildcard prodigy Zaniolo misses out due to injury, but there is no shortage of attacking options this time around with Raspadori the latest new sensation.
After the debacle of a failed qualification attempt for the most recent World Cup, qualification (and especially in the manner done) has reinvigorated the country and fanbase. The manager is on record as saying winning the Euros is achievable. Confidence is high, the team has talent albeit not the seemingly impenetrable defense boasted by previous incarnations. They should be able to win their group (especially with all their group games at home in Rome) and this could set them up nicely into the quarterfinals with a potentially favourable second round matchup. Notoriously a team that gets better as a tournament progresses, this is an Italy team that should be considered a contender but are probably a fringe contender for most.
Team: SWITZERLAND
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Switzerland
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/128--switzerland/
Captain: Granit Xhaka
Key Players: Xherdan Shaqiri; Granit Xhaka; Remo Freuler
Potential Breakout Player: Denis Zakaria
Notable Absentees: Michael Lang (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Second Round
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Quarterfinals
Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Roberto Rodriguez (DEF - 5.5m)
It could in the past be levelled at the Swiss that they lacked any meaningful track record of success and that qualifying for major tournaments would be deemed a success in and of itself. Credit must go to their own "golden generation", with the likes Xhaka, Seferovic and Rodriguez as veterans of the Swiss team that won the Under-17 World Cup in 2009, who have altered this narrative. The Swiss appear now as a perennial mid-tier power in UEFA, with a new crop joining to push forward as the prior group ages out.
The Swiss have consistently qualified for every major international tournament since 2004 (with the exception of Euro 2012). Once there they typically get out of the group stage as well. They qualified by topping their group ahead of Denmark but barely. They are able to return ten players from their Euro 2016 side, with the majority of them expected starters in this edition.
It could in the past be levelled at the Swiss that they lacked any meaningful track record of success and that qualifying for major tournaments would be deemed a success in and of itself. Credit must go to their own "golden generation", with the likes Xhaka, Seferovic and Rodriguez as veterans of the Swiss team that won the Under-17 World Cup in 2009, who have altered this narrative. The Swiss appear now as a perennial mid-tier power in UEFA, with a new crop joining to push forward as the prior group ages out.
The Swiss have consistently qualified for every major international tournament since 2004 (with the exception of Euro 2012). Once there they typically get out of the group stage as well. They qualified by topping their group ahead of Denmark but barely. They are able to return ten players from their Euro 2016 side, with the majority of them expected starters in this edition.
Vladimir Petkovic has been in charge since 2014 and has done admirably with this group, consistently having them at or near the top of the UEFA co-efficients allowing for better seedings and favourable qualification routes. A 5-2-1-2 lineup can be expected with Sommer in goal behind a CB trio of Elvedi, Akanji and Rodriguez with Mbabu and Zuber playing wing-back roles. A double pivot in midfield of Xhaka and Freuler line up behind Shaqiri who is allowed a free role behind Embolo and Seferovic. They do lack a truly great forward with Embolo long threatening to be that but not yet having blossomed fully. Seferovic is serviceable with a decent international record but not a forward to put fear into any major team.
This group has a nice blend of youth and experience. Their first XI will be a very difficult matchup for most teams but they lack depth and elite level difference makers. They should have a shot at 2nd place in the group and will be among a group of teams who could be setup for a deep run, if fit and firing with a good bracket draw. A good draw and the quarterfinals could be a realistic target, anything beyond that will be a major shock.
This group has a nice blend of youth and experience. Their first XI will be a very difficult matchup for most teams but they lack depth and elite level difference makers. They should have a shot at 2nd place in the group and will be among a group of teams who could be setup for a deep run, if fit and firing with a good bracket draw. A good draw and the quarterfinals could be a realistic target, anything beyond that will be a major shock.
Team: TURKEY
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Turkey
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/135--turkey/
Captain: Burak Yilmaz
Key Players: Burak Yilmaz; Caglar Soyuncu; Hakan Calhanoglu
Potential Breakout Player: Merih Demiral
Notable Absentee: Cenk Tosun (COVID-19)
Best Historical Finish: Semifinals (2008)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Turkey
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/135--turkey/
Captain: Burak Yilmaz
Key Players: Burak Yilmaz; Caglar Soyuncu; Hakan Calhanoglu
Potential Breakout Player: Merih Demiral
Notable Absentee: Cenk Tosun (COVID-19)
Best Historical Finish: Semifinals (2008)
Minimum Expectation: Second Round
How Far Could They Go: Second Round
Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Yusuf Yazici (MID - 5.5m)
Turkey will be making their 5th appearance at the Euros, having been brilliant in qualifying finishing 2nd only to France. They lost just once in qualifying and ended up 2 points behind the French (having beaten them 2-0 in Turkey), scoring eighteen and conceding just three in their ten games. They have also made a promising start to World Cup 2022 qualifying including a famous 4-2 win against the Netherlands.
Turkey only return three players from the 2016 edition where they underwhelmed, but each of the three are key men (Yilmaz, Calhanoglu and Tufan). This is truly a rebuilt Turkish side with only two players over 30 (Yilmaz and the backup goalkeeper Gunok), the rest are all no older than 27. Despite the relative youth in the squad more than half of the squad plays outside Turkey in various European leagues with twelve playing for a club in a Top 5 European league, a major departure from the 2016 vintage who almost exclusively played in the Turkish Superlig.
Senol Gunes has been back in charge since 2019, this for the 2nd time around with his 1st being during 2000-2004 when he masterminded an incredible 3rd placed finish at the 2002 World Cup. They typically line up in a 4-5-1 formation with Cakir in goal behind Celik, Demiral, Soyuncu and Meras. The midfield boasts Yokuslu, Tufan, Karaman, Calhanoglu and Yazici the furthest forward behind Burak Yilmaz. The Turkish squad has a bit more depth than previous iterations with Kabak, Ayhan, Muldur, Kokcu, Under and Unal providing options off the bench or as spot starters. Burak, Yazici and Celik were key cogs in a Ligue 1 title win this season and Calhanoglu offers exceptional set piece delivery. However, the stingy defence has been the bedrock of Turkish recent success so the Soyuncu and Demiral pairing needs to be very good.
Turkey can be expected to battle with the Swiss for 2nd spot, given Italy should have enough to see them both off especially at home in Rome. This sets up the group beautifully for a final group game with the Turks and Swiss in direct competition for what could be a knockout game. Should they get out of the group, the second round is likely as far as the journey will go.
Turkey will be making their 5th appearance at the Euros, having been brilliant in qualifying finishing 2nd only to France. They lost just once in qualifying and ended up 2 points behind the French (having beaten them 2-0 in Turkey), scoring eighteen and conceding just three in their ten games. They have also made a promising start to World Cup 2022 qualifying including a famous 4-2 win against the Netherlands.
Turkey only return three players from the 2016 edition where they underwhelmed, but each of the three are key men (Yilmaz, Calhanoglu and Tufan). This is truly a rebuilt Turkish side with only two players over 30 (Yilmaz and the backup goalkeeper Gunok), the rest are all no older than 27. Despite the relative youth in the squad more than half of the squad plays outside Turkey in various European leagues with twelve playing for a club in a Top 5 European league, a major departure from the 2016 vintage who almost exclusively played in the Turkish Superlig.
Senol Gunes has been back in charge since 2019, this for the 2nd time around with his 1st being during 2000-2004 when he masterminded an incredible 3rd placed finish at the 2002 World Cup. They typically line up in a 4-5-1 formation with Cakir in goal behind Celik, Demiral, Soyuncu and Meras. The midfield boasts Yokuslu, Tufan, Karaman, Calhanoglu and Yazici the furthest forward behind Burak Yilmaz. The Turkish squad has a bit more depth than previous iterations with Kabak, Ayhan, Muldur, Kokcu, Under and Unal providing options off the bench or as spot starters. Burak, Yazici and Celik were key cogs in a Ligue 1 title win this season and Calhanoglu offers exceptional set piece delivery. However, the stingy defence has been the bedrock of Turkish recent success so the Soyuncu and Demiral pairing needs to be very good.
Turkey can be expected to battle with the Swiss for 2nd spot, given Italy should have enough to see them both off especially at home in Rome. This sets up the group beautifully for a final group game with the Turks and Swiss in direct competition for what could be a knockout game. Should they get out of the group, the second round is likely as far as the journey will go.
Team: WALES
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Wales
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/144--wales/
Captain: Gareth Bale
Key Players: Gareth Bale; Aaron Ramsey; Ben Davies
Potential Breakout Player: Ethan Ampadu
Notable Absentee: Rabbi Matondo (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Semifinals (2016)
Minimum Expectation: Qualifying (Already achieved)
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage
Squad: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2020_squads#Wales
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro-2020/teams/144--wales/
Captain: Gareth Bale
Key Players: Gareth Bale; Aaron Ramsey; Ben Davies
Potential Breakout Player: Ethan Ampadu
Notable Absentee: Rabbi Matondo (non-selection)
Best Historical Finish: Semifinals (2016)
Minimum Expectation: Qualifying (Already achieved)
How Far Could They Go: Group Stage
Fantasy Football Sleeper Option: Stay Away!
With only an appearance at the 1958 World Cup as a major tournament experience for the Welsh, qualification in 2016 must have felt like a dream come true. That was not enough for them as they embarked on a fairytale run to the semifinals eliminating the much fancied Belgians in the quarterfinals along the way before finally falling victim to CR7. Wales qualified 2nd behind Croatia in their group, which also contained two other qualifiers in the shape of Slovakia and Hungary. They are built on a solid defensive foundation but with that X-factor in Bale.
With only an appearance at the 1958 World Cup as a major tournament experience for the Welsh, qualification in 2016 must have felt like a dream come true. That was not enough for them as they embarked on a fairytale run to the semifinals eliminating the much fancied Belgians in the quarterfinals along the way before finally falling victim to CR7. Wales qualified 2nd behind Croatia in their group, which also contained two other qualifiers in the shape of Slovakia and Hungary. They are built on a solid defensive foundation but with that X-factor in Bale.
For a country this small and with a relatively limited pool to draw on, it is very surprising to see only eight return from the 2016 edition. However, the squad is still a decent one drawing players primarily from the English Premier League and Championship divisions. Only five players 30 or over emphasizes the squad has a healthy base of young players in it. Bale and Ramsey will be expected to set the standard for the rest.
A major issue will come at the manager level. Ryan Giggs had done a very solid job since taking over in 2018 qualifying them for the Euros. However, due to an off-field issue (charged for assault), Giggs has since been replaced by a caretaker manager. Nonetheless, Wales should line-up with a 5-3-2 formation seeing Hennessey in goal behind CBs Rodon, Mepham and Davies with N. Williams and Roberts as wing-backs. The midfield trio will likely be Ramsey, Allen and Ampadu with Bale and Wilson as unconventional forwards. Aside from the speedy James, the bench is limited. A lack of depth was a cited weakness in 2016 and they persevered through it staying injury-free.
The Welsh aren't as good defensively as they were in 2016 and don't have as forgiving a group as they did then either. Bale is not the same force he was then and Ramsey who was immense at the tournament has also faded away badly as a force. They are the weakest team in the section and will struggle to beat or even take points off any of the other sides. All that said tournament football and national pride can do strange things, if Bale is in "Wales, Golf, Madrid" mode and Ramsey can channel his "Rambo" mode, maybe a surprise result can happen. Maybe.
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I think Italy will top the group but I expect them to drop points against a team, and top with 7 points (maybe Switzerland). I am an Italy fan and I know this is a strong team, but I don't remember us ever taking max points in a tournament group for so many years. Even Lippi's 2006 Italy only got 7pts in their group.
ReplyDeleteThe other 3 teams are all decent. One thing to note though is that Switzerland is very good defensively and I believe that their playstyle will make it possible for them to park the bus and play defensively against Wales and Turkey and hit them on the counter, therefore grabbing narrow wins against both Wales and Turkey and that should put them on second place.
I do believe that Wales and Turkey will be a battle. These days, I feel that Turkey looks like the team that is stronger, more consistent, and better in form although they are without Arda Turan who is a very key player for them. While you do have good points about Wales, I have a very hard time seeing Wales not getting at least a point somewhere. I honestly expect that Turkey and Wales will battle it out and the game will end in a 1-1 draw eliminating both teams. Turkey will control possession and look stronger, but Wales will probably snatch a goal somewhere off a free kick from Bale or Ramsey.
Solid points - I just feel Wales is a inferior to the top 3 and the games against Wales will be treated as absolute must win for them. All three I think will get what they need. Arda was really good but I like Turkey's balance now in midfield/attack with Tufan/Calhanoglu/Yazici/Yilmaz.
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