Giovanni Di Lorenzo

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI IN DORTMUND: From the nation that brought us catenaccio, there has been a whiff of defensiveness about the Italians this week as they ponder their peculiar status at Euro 2024. When they launch their campaign against Albania in Dortmund on Saturday night, it will be from the somewhat jarring position of being defending champions of whom far less is expected than normal. If they are to find familiar comforts in this tournament, it will be as dark horses. That has certainly been the consensus view aimed at a young group featuring only nine survivors from the triumphant class of 2021 and which bears little resemblance to the squad that beat England in the final at Wembley.

After months of excitement and anticipation, the stage is finally set for the European Championships to kick off in Germany this week, with several teams in with a shot of lifting the trophy when it's all said and done. Gareth Southgate's Three Lions will be hoping to go one better than their runners-up finish at Euro 2020, having lost to Italy in the final on penalties, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden leading a star-studded England squad heading to Germany this summer. Italy still pose a major threat as the reigning champions, with Nicolo Barella, Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni showing excellent form during Inter's dominant Serie A title triumph last season, with the trio accompanied by the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Mail Sport provides you with the ultimate guide to Euro 2024, taking a look at every team's squad, kits, preferred formation as they gear up for the tournament...

PETE JENSON: For the first time since the Euros, Italy is back in London on Tuesday. Spalletti, a charismatic yet disciplinarian, has had a good game this week, but the problems were also growing long before police started to investigate Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo over illicit betting. Only three players from the 2021 squad have returned: Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, Giovanni Di Lorenzo in defense, and Nicolo Barella in midfield. Federico Chiesa had been called up to the squad in the spring, but he was unable to return from the team due to sickness on Monday. Spalletti has admitted to a shallow talent pool, and the team will be relying on 34-year-old Giacomo Bonaventura to be their Jude Bellingham in midfield. And remember the goals were scored by former Everton forward Moise Kean, who was suspended with Mancini because of disciplinary issues.