Views: 106

It’s been almost exactly a year since Italy was eliminated from EURO 2024 against Switzerland. The disappointing conclusion of the Azzurri’s European campaign.

After winning the Scudetto with Napoli, the arrival of Luciano Spalletti as the new head coach of Italy bodes well for the Euros. However, getting there is not guaranteed, considering the team’s failure to qualify for the last two World Cups.

In the end, the Azzurri narrowly avoid the playoffs thanks to a 0-0 draw against Ukraine. Expectations for EURO 2024 are relatively positive, but there is still room for improvement.

EURO 2024, Italy’s flop

MATTIA ZACCAGNI ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

Spalletti’s team must face Albania, Spain, and Croatia in Group B. A tough group, but there is a chance to qualify as the best third-placed team: beating Albania in the opening match will be crucial.

The match against The Eagles, however, starts in the worst possible way. After just 23 seconds, Spalletti’s team goes behind thanks to a goal from Bajrami (formerly of Empoli and Sassuolo). The Azzurri, however, quickly turn it around: first Bastoni scores (11′), then Barella completes the comeback (16′).

The match ends 2-1 with Italy failing to close out the game and risking conceding a late equalizer. A good start, but there is still much room for improvement: in fact, the next match is against Spain.

The match ends 1-0 with an own goal by Calafiori (55′): at first glance, it seems like an unfortunate result. However, the 1-0 scoreline flatters Spain, who dominated Spalletti’s team throughout the match and could have scored more.

Zaccagni’s miracle and the embarrassment against Switzerland

A draw is enough against Croatia, but there is little optimism given the underwhelming performances of the Azzurri. The first half is goalless, but the second half is eventful: a penalty for Croatia in the early minutes. Modric steps up to take it, but Donnarumma saves the penalty.

However, less than a minute later, the Real Madrid midfielder breaks the deadlock after another Donnarumma save, causing the goalkeeper to erupt in anger towards his teammates. When all seems lost, Zaccagni scores a beautiful curling shot from outside the box, taking Spalletti’s team to the round of 16 (90+8) with just 40 seconds left.

Despite unconvincing performances, the Azzurri qualify for the round of 16 as the best third-placed team and have to face Switzerland. Italy is considered the favorite, but the Swiss team is not to be underestimated.

Indeed, the first half is dominated by Ndoye and his teammates, who break the deadlock after 37 minutes with Freuler. Everyone expects Italy to come out in the second half with the right attitude to turn the game around.

Instead, the second half starts exactly like the match against Albania: Switzerland doubles their lead after just 26 seconds with a fantastic curling goal from Vargas. Only in the last 20 minutes does Italy attempt to get back into the game, but Scamacca hits the post from a yard out: shortly after, Zuber almost makes it 3-0.

Thus ends Italy’s sad journey at EURO 2024, which began with a hard-fought victory against Albania, followed by disappointing performances.

Views: 71

Fluminense-Chelsea, a match valid for the Club World Cup semifinal, will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey tomorrow evening at 9:00 PM Italian time.

Fluminense and Chelsea will compete for a spot in the Club World Cup final. The Brazilian team, which eliminated Al Hilal in the quarterfinals, is the only non-European team left in the competition and hopes to defy the odds, all of which are in favor of the Blues. One of the players to watch will certainly be Thiago Silva, a former of the match, and author of an extraordinary tournament despite being 40 years old.

On the other side, the English team will once again face a Brazilian team, after meeting Flamengo in the group stage and eliminating Palmeiras in the previous round. The Blues, led by Enzo Maresca, hope to reach their second final of the season, after winning the Conference League.

Fluminense Overview

The final 90 minutes of play separate Fluminense from a historic final, after their last appearance in 2023 against Manchester City. For the match against Chelsea, coach Renato Portaluppi has to deal with two key absences due to suspension: those of Martinelli and Freytes. The coach will have Renè back, after serving his suspension in the quarterfinals. There are not expected to be major changes in the starting eleven: Fluminense will once again rely on a back 3, utilizing the counterattacks of the duo Arias-Cano.

Club World Cup trophy

Chelsea Overview

Chelsea wants to confirm the growth they’ve had this season by securing a spot in the final. Maresca has a deep and wide squad at his disposal, despite some absences due to suspension. The Italian coach will have to do without Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, due to yellow cards received against Palmeiras. With the absence of the Blues’ number 9, this could be an opportunity to see João Pedro starting. The Brazilian, formerly of Brighton, despite arriving just a few days ago, is favored for a starting position over Nicolas Jackson.

Fluminense-Chelsea, Probable Lineups

Fluminense (3-4-1-2): Fabio; Ignàcio, Thiago Silva, René; Xavier, Bernal, Hércules, Fuentes; Nonato; Arias, Cano. Coach: Portaluppi.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; João Pedro. Coach: Maresca.

Where to Watch Fluminense-Chelsea

Fluminense-Chelsea, a match valid for the Club World Cup semifinals, will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey tomorrow evening at 9:00 PM Italian time. The match will be broadcast on Canale 5 and streamed on Dazn.

Views: 57

Fluminense-Chelsea, a match valid for the Club World Cup semifinal, will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey tomorrow evening at 9:00 PM Italian time.

Fluminense and Chelsea will compete for a spot in the Club World Cup final. The Brazilian team, which eliminated Al Hilal in the quarterfinals, is the only non-European team left in the competition, hoping to defy the odds, all in favor of the Blues. One of the key players to watch will surely be Thiago Silva, a former player of the match, and author of an extraordinary tournament despite being 40 years old.

On the other side, the English team will once again face a Brazilian team, after meeting Flamengo in the group stage and eliminating Palmeiras in the previous round. The Blues, led by Enzo Maresca, hope to reach their second final of the season, after winning the Conference League.

Fluminense

The last 90 minutes of play separate Fluminense from a historic final, after the one reached in 2023 against Manchester City. For the match against Chelsea, coach Renato Portaluppi must deal with two significant absences due to suspension: those of Martinelli and Freytes. The coach will have Renè back, after serving his suspension in the quarterfinals. No major changes are expected in the starting 11: Fluminense will once again rely on the 3-man defense, exploiting the counterattacks of the duo Arias-Cano.

Club World Cup, trophy

Chelsea

Chelsea wants to confirm the progress made this season by securing a spot in the final. Maresca has a long and deep squad, despite some absences due to suspension. The Italian coach will have to do without Levi Colwill and Liam Delap, due to the yellow card received against Palmeiras. With the absence of the Blues’ number 9, this could be the opportunity to see João Pedro from the starting minute. The Brazilian, formerly of Brighton, despite arriving a few days ago, is favored for a starting position over Nicolas Jackson.

Fluminense-Chelsea, probable line-ups

Fluminense (3-4-1-2): Fabio; Ignàcio, Thiago Silva, René; Xavier, Bernal, Hércules, Fuentes; Nonato; Arias, Cano. Coach: Portaluppi.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Nkunku; João Pedro. Coach: Maresca.

Fluminense-Chelsea, where to watch

Fluminense-Chelsea, a match valid for the Club World Cup semifinals, will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey tomorrow evening at 9:00 PM Italian time. The match will be broadcast live on Canale 5, and streamed on Dazn.