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Is it safe to say that the dark days of FIFA World Cup qualifying are behind the Italy national team?
Following the recent international break, one might think that would be the case.
After two matches, the Azzurri sit atop Group J on six points and scored eight goals in the process. Only England have a better goal differential (+9) than Italy (+8).
But, to put it into context, Italy topped Finland 2-0 and dispatched of 10-man Liechtenstein, 6-0.
Played 2⃣. Won 2⃣. Scored 8⃣. Conceded 0⃣.
— Italy (@azzurri) March 26, 2019
✅ Top of Group J
A great start to our #EURO2020 qualifying campaign! FORZA! #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/cYlpHe6cL9
Not necessarily facing the world beaters of European football.
Nonetheless, fresh off winning just one match in the UEFA Nations League – only besting Poland in the group stage – and the disaster of the World Cup qualifying stage where Sweden bested Italy to prevent the Azzurri from even sniffing Russia – this start to the European Championships is encouraging.
#Azzurri ⚽️
— Italy (@azzurri) March 26, 2019
️#Verratti: "Apart from the result, the performance was there - something which makes me happy. After failing to qualify for the #WorldCup, we wanted to make the team and fans feel enthusiastic again."#ItalyLiechtenstein 6⃣-0⃣#EuropeanQualifiers
One of the most impressive things about Roberto Mancini’s side is the fact that they have shown much more promise using much younger players.
In the past, Italy relied heavily on older, more experienced players and we all know where that got them last year.
Now, Mancini has elected to use a more youthful squad mixed with some experience.
Consider Tuesday’s 6-0 win against Liechtenstein where Mancini had 36-year-old Fabio Quagliarella – who scored by the way – mixed in with 19-year-old (and former Inter Milan product) Nicolo Zaniolo and 19-year-old Juventus player Moise Kean.
#Azzurri ⚽️
— Italy (@azzurri) March 26, 2019
️#Quagliarella: "A fantastic night capped off by the two goals I scored. I want to thank my teammates, who have constantly supported me. The fans applauded me off and this was great. I don't feel 36, I feel good."#ItalyLiechtenstein 6⃣-0⃣#EuropeanQualifiers
In fact, it was Kean and Nicolo Barella who scored in the win against Finland:
#EuropeanQualifiers
— Italy (@azzurri) March 25, 2019
Highlights from #ItalyFinland
⚽️ #Barella 7’, #Kean 74’
Stadio #Friuli - #Udine#ItaFin #VivoAzzurropic.twitter.com/oBUuUyhDk5
Then, Kean went on to score again against Liechtenstein.
All three players showed a lot of enthusiasm and a propensity to play together, which is a sight better than what we saw during World Cup qualifying.
#Azzurri ⚽️
— Italy (@azzurri) March 26, 2019
️#Mancini: "I hope the debutants will remain in the group for a long time, this is what I'm looking for."#ItalyLiechtenstein 6⃣-0⃣#EuropeanQualifiers
As far as Inter Milan in concerned, Matteo Politano played all 90 minutes against Liechtenstein and is likely to continue his international play in June when Italy face their toughest test when they travel to take on Greece then, return home to face Bosnia and Herzegovina.
All in all, this Italy team seems poised to make a run at qualification and, because of the nice addition of youth players – six under the age of 20 – Mancini’s squad could be a force to reckon with in the future.
What do you think? Post your comments below!