Italy released has its preliminary roster for Euro 2016 and some of the country’s biggest stars did not make the cut.
#Azzurri
La lista dei convocati al raduno di preparazione a #UEFA #Euro2016#Nazionale #VivoAzzurro #Italia pic.twitter.com/lfcZEHSeZu— Nazionale Italiana (@Vivo_Azzurro) May 23, 2016
Astute fans will notice that some big names are missing:
Andrea Pirlo
Mario Balotelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pqsh2Ejoz8
Sebastian Giovinco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T5yDK1F3EQ
Marco Verratti
Italy’s squad isn’t exactly the spitting image of the dominant Italian sides of old. Italy’s World Cup winning squads in 2006 and 1982 were defined by by their smothering defense but also had a potent attack.
This year’s squad leaves a little to be desired in the goal scoring department.
Roma fan “Coldh” shared his thought’s on Italy’s national side.
“HOLY SHIT WE ARE SHIT.”
Coldh, Roma/Italy fan
Fan “qwert234” was equally unimpressed with Italy’s roster.
“THAT’S THE WEAKEST SET OF FORWARDS I’VE EVER SEEN FROM ITALY.”
qwert234, soccer fan
However, Italian fan “Canta15” did have some positive takeaways from the Azzurri’s lineup.
“WE STILL HAVE ARGUABLY THE BEST BACK LINE AND GOALKEEPER AT THE EUROS.”
Canta15, Italian soccer fan
Even without the Pirlos, Giovincos, and Balotellis of the world, Italy will still field a formidable starting 11 at the Euros.
Whether they make it out of this year’s Group of Death remains to be seen.
