Italy’s Euro 2024 Squad: Who’s In And Who’s Out? Which Notable Players Didn’t Make The Final Selection?

Italy’s Euro 2024 Squad: Who’s In And Who’s Out? Which Notable Players Didn’t Make The Final Selection?
Italy has officially unveiled their initial 30-player roster in preparation for defending their continental title at Euro 2024 this upcoming summer.
Earlier this month, UEFA confirmed an expansion of squad sizes from 23 to 26 players for this highly anticipated tournament, to be hosted in Germany. Additionally, all squads must include a minimum of three goalkeepers.
Roberto Mancini, the architect behind Italy’s triumph at Euro 2020 where they defeated England in a thrilling final at Wembley Stadium, stepped down from his position last August to assume the role of Saudi Arabia’s coach. He has since been succeeded by Luciano Spalletti.
Tasked with the responsibility of paring down the 30-man squad to a maximum of 26 by June 7, one week prior to the tournament kick-off, the 65-year-old Spalletti, who has recorded five victories in his initial eight matches as head coach, faces a challenging selection process.
In this preview, Sports Mole provides insight into Italy’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024, highlighting the selected players and those unfortunate to miss out.
Who makes the cut? Any surprise inclusions in Italy squad?
One of the notable names returning to Spalletti’s roster is Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who has recently reentered competitive football following a seven-month suspension for betting infractions.
The 23-year-old received his ban from the Italian Football Federation in October of last year after admitting to placing bets on unauthorized platforms, necessitating treatment for a gambling dependency.
Fagioli marked his eagerly anticipated comeback in Juventus’ Serie A fixture against Bologna on Monday, entering the match as a substitute in their 3-3 draw. Despite having made only eight appearances this season and earning just one cap for Italy at the senior level, Spalletti has opted to include the highly regarded midfielder in the Euro 2024 squad.
Among the Azzurri’s 30-man selection are three players yet to receive their first international caps, with centre-back Riccardo Calafiori earning his maiden senior call-up following an outstanding 2023-24 campaign with Bologna.
The 22-year-old, recently nominated for the Serie A Defender of the Year award, has played a pivotal role in Bologna’s ascent to third place in Serie A, securing the club’s inaugural Champions League qualification.
Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, who has been part of several Italy squads in the past 12 months but has yet to earn his debut cap, and Michael Folorunsho, currently on loan from Napoli to Hellas Verona, complete the trio of uncapped players making the roster.
In addition to these three newcomers, Spalletti has included a total of 14 players in his preliminary squad who boast fewer than 10 international appearances for Italy. Among them, eight have accumulated no more than two caps, including Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, as well as Torino pair Raoul Bellanova and Samuele Ricci.
Only 10 players remain from the triumphant Italy squad of three years ago, featuring stalwarts such as Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper and Azzurri captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, and Inter Milan trio Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, and Nicolo Barella.
The Napoli trio of Alex Meret, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, and Giacomo Raspadori, along with Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante and Juventus forward Federico Chiesa, have secured their spots for consecutive European Championships.
Meanwhile, Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca, recently crowned a Europa League champion, has made a comeback after being excluded from the Italy squad in March. The former West Ham United player has been in sensational form, contributing to 15 goals (11 goals and four assists) in his last 16 appearances
Meanwhile, Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca, recently crowned a Europa League champion, has made a comeback after being excluded from the Italy squad in March. The former West Ham United player has been in sensational form, contributing to 15 goals (11 goals and four assists) in his last 16 appearances for Atalanta across all competitions.
Which Italian stars will miss Euro 2024?