Italy: new cycle takes shape — top of the EURO series
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Context
The performance of players like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alessandro Bastoni has been fundamental in this new cycle, with Donnarumma being a constant presence in goal. The renewed confidence in Bastoni, after a disappointing World Cup, is a positive sign for the continuity of Mancini's project, which aims to strengthen the team for future challenges in the Nations League and beyond.
Why this matters
Italy's victory over Turkey in the Nations League not only guarantees security in the table, but also solidifies the team's position as seed for EURO 2028. This result is crucial for the team's confidence and for the development of the new cycle under the command of Roberto Mancini, who seeks to build a solid backbone for the future.
Main conclusions
- Italy: new cycle takes shape — top of the EURO series.
- Roberto Mancini's Italy secure a place among the top seeds for EURO 2028 and reveal their new backbone after their Nations League triumph over Turkey.
- Italy, the new corso takes shape: tests the series at EURO 2028 and has a definitive backbone.
Italy ended the selection window with a 3-1 victory against Turkey, worth more than three points in the fourth round of Group E of the Nations League. Roberto Mancini's team, at the start of its second term, mathematically ensured that it would not finish in last place in the group - a seven-point advantage over the Turks - and thus achieved the first major objective of the cycle: to be seeded in the qualifying draw for EURO 2028. In November, the Azzurri will be among the 12 seeded teams, alongside the top three in each of the four groups of League A of the Nations League. Goal already guaranteed for Italy, while other teams, such as Norway and Germany, will still have to confirm it. Among the potential threats to avoid along the way, Norway appears as an undesirable crossroads, also due to the recent precedent in qualifications for the next World Cup, in which the Italians faced Haaland and company. A reunion would be a déjà-vu that Mancini would prefer not to repeat. To understand the direction of this “Mancini-bis”, the usage numbers from the first four matches of this new cycle help. At the top, unsurprisingly, comes Gianluigi Donnarumma, absolute owner of the goal with 360 minutes combined. Close behind is Alessandro Bastoni (270'), one of the most discussed names after the Azzurri's failed third World Cup, but who now receives a clear vote of confidence from the selector. Sandro Tonali closes the podium (262’), highlighting the importance of midfield
or in the idea of a game. On the rise, Francesco Pio Esposito (237') and Riccardo Calafiori (214'), the latter used on the wing, and Michael Kayode (214'), a true revelation due to his immediate impact on his debut. Next are Giorgio Scalvini (204’), Davide Frattesi (193’), Moise Kean and Gianluca Mancini (180’ each), and Nicolò Barella (178’). From this data, we can begin to guess a type of eleven in a 4-3-3, for which we will only need to consolidate one more midfield player in exchange for a defender, maintaining the matrix of aggression and possession. The triumph against Turkey featured goals from Scamacca, Calafiori and Pio Esposito, and left positive signs in the offensive plan and in the depth of the squad. In Rimini, where the “Gianluca Vialli Prize” was awarded, Mancini highlighted the human side of his return, remembering the figure of his former colleague and leader, whose absence “he feels every day”. Regarding the long break, he admitted that four games “are too many” for a single block of dates, but praised the attitude of a young group that “needs to grow and also needs to make mistakes to learn”. The CT also congratulated Baldini's Under-21s for their excellent recent result, leaving the door open to the promotion of several talents. Among the individual highlights is Pio Esposito, chosen by the portal TuttoMercatoWeb as the best young Italian (born between 2005 and 2010). His agent, Mario Giuffredi, attributed the competitive leap to the “drawer” and the considered choices of the striker, who spent two seasons at Spezia in Serie B before
you have to assert yourself. Signs that the new Azzurri generation is already pushing hard at the doors of the main team. With the head of the series secured and a backbone in clear formation, Italy now turns its focus to consolidating processes and closing the year with a stable competitive base. The immediate objective is accomplished; The next step is to sustain performance in the Nations League and reach the November draw with status… and confidence.
What happens next
With Italy already guaranteed top seed, the focus now falls on preparing for the qualifying draw for EURO 2028 in November. The team will have to continue working together, avoiding potential difficult opponents like Norway, who have already shown themselves to be a threat in previous qualifications.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the Italy vs Türkiye game?
Italy beat Turkey 3-1.
How did the Nations League Group E standings look after the game?
Italy ensured they do not finish bottom of the group, maintaining a seven-point lead over Turkey.
What is Italy's next objective after the victory over Turkey?
Italy's next objective is to be seeded in the qualifying draw for EURO 2028.
When will Italy's next Nations League game be?
Italy's next Nations League match will be in November.
Who are the players with the most minutes played?
those in the Italian team this cycle?
The players with the most minutes played are Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni and Sandro Tonali.