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Roberto Mancini, the coach of the Italian national football team, has successfully guided his team to the finals of the European Championship. However, one decision that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts is his failure to call up midfielder Manuel Locatelli for the tournament. Locatelli, who had an outstanding season with Sassuolo in Serie A, was widely expected to be part of the Italian squad. So, what could be the reason behind Mancini’s surprising omission?
One possible reason for Mancini’s decision could be the wealth of talent in Italy’s midfield. With players like Jorginho, Marco Verratti, Nicolo Barella, and Bryan Cristante already in the squad, Mancini had a difficult task in selecting his midfielders. Locatelli might have been a victim of tough competition, as other players were preferred due to their experience or playing style.
Another reason could be Mancini’s preference for players who have excelled under his management. Since taking charge of Italy in 2018, Mancini has focused on building a cohesive team that plays attractive and attacking football. He has relied on players who fit into his system and have shown consistency in their performances. Locatelli, despite his talent, might have not been able to showcase his ability to adapt to Mancini’s style of play during the limited opportunities he had.
Furthermore, international tournaments like the European Championship require squad selection that goes beyond individual talent and takes into consideration the overall balance of the team. Mancini might have believed that other players offered a better balance in midfield and that selecting Locatelli could have disrupted the team’s rhythm. Coaches often have a vision for how their team should play, and sometimes this vision influences their decisions, even if it means leaving out talented players.
Another factor that may have influenced Mancini’s decision is the desire to maintain a harmonious team dynamic. Building team chemistry is crucial for success in major tournaments as it allows players to work cohesively on the pitch. Mancini might have had concerns about how Locatelli’s inclusion could affect the team dynamic and preferred to maintain the current harmony within the squad.
It is also important to note that Mancini has to make decisions based on a player’s overall track record, not just their performances in a single season. While Locatelli had a fantastic season with Sassuolo, Mancini had to weigh up his performances over an extended period and consider his ability to consistently perform at the highest level.
In conclusion, the reasons behind Mancini’s decision not to call up Manuel Locatelli for the European Championship might be manifold. Tough competition, preference for players who fit into his system, overall team balance, maintaining team harmony, and an assessment of a player’s overall track record could all have contributed to Locatelli’s omission. While many fans may feel disappointed by the decision, it is important to trust Mancini’s judgment as he aims to guide Italy to glory in the tournament.
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