Mancini Discusses Whether Verratti Will Start Over Locatelli in Italy’s Upcoming Euro 2020 Knockout Stage Run

Italian national team manager Roberto Mancini is now facing a notable dilemma that could end up being a determining factor in whether the team pulls off a deep Euro 2020 run.

Both Manuel Locatelli and Marco Verratti shined for Italy during the group stage portion of the tournament. Locatelli notched a two-goal showing in the fixture against Switzerland, while Verratti put out a vintage performance in the narrow one goal win over Wales.

Now, Mancini will have to decide on whether to start Verratti in Italy’s upcoming Euro knockout stage run or roll out the same midfield setup that he went with in the team’s opening two group stage fixtures.

For now, Mancini does not have a clear answer to this dilemma, but he did touch on this matter following Italy’s win over Wales (via TuttoMercatoWeb).

“It’s better to have everyone at our disposal,” Mancini said. “There are so many players who deserve to be there, and we have to make choices.

“There are no starters. There are eleven that go on the field.”

Italy will now look ahead to taking on Austria in the Euro 2020 Round of 16.