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We all know how mediocre the Italian national men’s soccer team has been over the past couple of years. Poor management and a lackluster talent pool have led to the four time World Cup winners falling short of a Russia 2018 appearance and plummeting to 21st overall in the FIFA World Ranking. All hope might not be lost for the Azzurri though as they have the chance to make an impression on UEFA’s latest cash grab called the Nations League. Essentially this is a tournament where European national soccer teams are split into four leagues ranking from A-D. A being the top tier. It seems FIFA really pulled the rabbit out of the unnecessary hat with this competition.
Related article from SB Nation: https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2018/9/6/17827060/uefa-nations-league-format-rules-euro-2020-qualifying
New manager Roberto Mancini appointed in May seems to be a right fit for the team as his knowledge of the game is well documented. Mancini has a vast repertoire of titles and success in European soccer. Go look it up, we’re not lying to you. The guy is a stud! In any case Italy’s new manager is a significant improvement over Gian Piero Ventura. Word is nobody has heard from him after the aggregate loss to Sweden. There is speculation that he is living as a hermit in the Andes Mountains farming maize but that is neither here nor there.
Italy did tie Poland in the first group game of the Nations League so it looks like things could be steadily progressing, even despite the team’s questionable chemistry. Alterations to the squad are continuing as it has been confirmed that Mario Balotelli will not play in the next group game against Portugal as Roberto Mancini does not see him fit for the task. Time will tell whether we see the Azzurri return to its former glory, but for now there is only hope… and 2006 World Cup highlights.
Thunderdome Sports 