The Brightest Stars in the Italian National Team and Most Fawned Over By the Fans | OneFootball

Italy is one of the most historic and storied nations in football history. The country has been hugely successful over the years, famously lifting the World Cup four times and the Euros on two occasions. Now, the current crop of Azzurri players are aiming to achieve their own glory over the coming years.

The team has transitioned recently to welcome in a new generation of players are hopes are high that the side can develop and challenge for honours. Gamers who enjoy casino gaming, free spins and sports betting, will be keeping an eye on Luciano Spaletti’s team in the lead up to next summer’s World Cup. This article will look at the biggest stars in the national team as the nation aim’s for another triumph.

Star Names and Fan Favourites

ItaLy has produced top, world class players for well over a century and the next generation are eager to write their own chapter in the story of the Azzurri.

Sandro Tonali is one of the leading lights in the national team and is currently plying his trade in the Premier League with Newcastle as the Magpies aim to challenge for silverware having already landed the League Cup this season. The midfielder is so composed on the ball and keeps the side ticking over from the centre of the park. Still only in his mid-20s, Tonali has started to take on more responsibility for Italy and is one of the players dictating play and linking the defence with the attack along with Davide Frattesi.

Nicolo Barella is a much-loved member of the Italian national team. The Inter man is considered one of the best midfielders in the world and his influence continues to grow with fans everywhere enjoying the skill with which he moves the ball.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, meanwhile, is the national team captain and has already earned more than 70 caps by the age of 26. The goalkeeper made his debut for Milan at the age of just 16, an extraordinarily young age for a player in that position, and is now fulfilling the huge future supporters and pundits tipped him to have. Joining Paris Saint-Germain from the San Siro in 2021, he is a regular title winner, playing regularly in the Champions League. Of course, in 2020, he also helped his country win the Euros in the final against England at Wembley.

Up front Mateo Retegui is the current Serie A top scorer and has so far netted six goals in 18 appearances for the national team. There are big hopes for the 25-year-old while Giacomo Raspadori of Napoli and Fiorentina attacker Moise Kean are also tasked with leading the line for the Azzurri. Federico Chiesa, the son of former Italy striker Enrico, may not be having the same impact as before due to injury problems but the forward is still a favourite among the people in the stands.

World Cup Hopes

Italy last won the World Cup in 2006 after beating France on penalties in an iconic final which saw Zinedine Zidane sent off and now, twenty years later, the current squad are eager to delight the nation again.

The country will have to qualify for the tournament being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico are heavy favourites to make it. In a group with Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova, Spaletti’s team are heavily fancied to top the standings and reach another tournament.

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 17: Gianluigi Donnarumma and Federico Chiesa of Italy celebrate the win at the end of the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Italy and North Macedonia at Stadio Olimpico on November 17, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Predicting the Outcome of Italy Matches and Events

When it comes to watching Italy, fans around the world can bet on the game to add an extra bit of excitement to the action happening out on the pitch. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a relative novice, there are a number of strategies to follow in order to make smart decisions with confidence and knowledge.

It’s a wise move to tune into Spaletti’s pre match press conferences as the manager will outline which players are unavailable due to injury or suspension. Using these clues, you will then be able to assess who could deputise and then weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of the expected Azzurri side.

Following the form guide is also imperative. Be sure to look at recent Italy results to see how the nation has been playing heading into the next fixture but also check out club form too as this will be a key indication as to the confidence players possess when they arrive for international duty.

Legendary Figures from the Past

Over the years, Italy has been represented by some of the most skilful and players on the planet. Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero wowed fans with their technique and finesse while Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi are considered among the best defenders of all-time.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is revered around the world while the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Francesco Totti and Dino Zoff are well-known by football fans in Europe and beyond.

Overall, the current Italy team has a job on its hands to be talked about in the same breath as these football legends. However, the squad is packed with talent and already, a lot of the players have impressed the passionate and loyal fans who follow the national team and home and abroad. Who knows, Donnarumma and Co could become legends at the next World Cup.