Three surprising omissions from Italy’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024

Contrary to what has been reported in Italy over the last few days, Marco Carnesecchi, Manuel Locatelli, and Ciro Immobile were not included in Italy’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024.

Spalletti has named his 30-man squad list for Euro 2024, but the CT will have to cut six players by June 7 to make his final squad list for the tournament held in Germany next month.

Three surprising omissions from Italy’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024

The most surprising omission may be Locatelli’s as the Juventus midfielder has played four games from eight under Spalletti, starting three times. It had been anticipated that Spalletti would call his teammate Nicolò Fagioli, who has just returned to action after a seven-month ban but none would imagine the 23-year-old would replace Locatelli.

Spalletti has also picked Michael Folorunsho over Giacomo Bonaventura, but it had been predicted that Spalletti would call one or the other.

Recent reports in Italy claimed Spalletti would call Lazio captain Immobile even if the 34-year-old had had a disappointing season at the Stadio Olimpico with just 11 goals in 42 games.

Immobile was Italy’s captain in Spalletti’s first game in charge in September, but that was his only appearance under the new coach. A few days ago, he admitted that he wasn’t too confident about being part of the Azzurri squad for Germany.

Leeds fans expected Wilfried Gnonto to be included in the team as well, but the 20-year-old has only made two appearances under Spalletti since the CT was appointed in 2023.

It’s probably more surprising that Carnesecchi was left out of the squad, given that the Atalanta shot-stopper was shortlisted as one of the three best Serie A keepers this season.

Spalletti has chosen Lazio’s Ivan Provedel instead, but only between him and Alex Meret will join Gigio Donnarumma and Guglielmo Vicario in Germany.