UEFA Champions League, Copa America and more: Five bold football predictions for 2020

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi

1. Italy to win Euros 2020

Italy for Euro 2020?
Italy for Euro 2020?

Italy reached one of the lowest points in their footballing history in November 2017. They failed to score against a brave Swedish defence, as a 0-0 draw made sure that Italy would miss the World Cup only for the second time ever. A lot has changed since then, and the Italian renaissance has well and truly been underway. New manager Roberto Mancini has changed the Italian side for good and there is no turning back for them.

Now to why the Italians suddenly serious contenders?

In front of the immensely talented Gianluigi Donnarumma, they have arguably the best centre-back pairing of the 21st century with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at the back. If Euro 2016 was any indication, Italy will have a chance in most games. They reached the quarter-finals with Graziano Pelle and Eder leading the forward line (no disrespect). Now the electric duo of Stefano Sensi and Nicolò Barella along with two world-class midfielders in Marco Verratti and Jorginho support a very strong defence and a very exciting forward line.

While his national team record is not up to the mark, there is absolutely no way any striker is better than Ciro Immobile at the moment. He often rotates the role with Andrea Belotti, also a proven prolific Serie A goalscorer. Both of them have been a little unflattering with Italy but their goalscoring pedigree cannot be taken away from them. With Insigne joining them, Gli Azzurri now have three amazing performers in their front-line. Federico Chiesa, Nicolo Zaniolo and Federico Bernardeschi highlight the depth the Italians have in their ranks.

Two world-class centre-backs supported by the best midfield and forward line they have had in a decade - do not be surprised if Italy go all the way through.

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Edited by Sai Teja
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