Chelsea Euro 2020 preview part one: Italians looking to prove themselves

It’s perhaps somewhat surprising, given Chelsea’s history with Italian managers, that the Blues have so few Italian players. It’s not too unusual that the two Italians Chelsea does have came during the tenures of the last two Italian bosses. Jorginho and Emerson will be the only two representatives of Chelsea for Italy during these Euros.

Both have had quite unique Chelsea careers. Jorginho came in very much under the shadow of Maurizio Sarri. He looked better the following year with the freedom Frank Lampard provided, but it always felt like he was an awkward fit for Lampard’s tactics. He’s found new life under Thomas Tuchel and suddenly looks like a key figure to stay at Stamford Bridge, despite how often his agent bangs the drum for him to leave.

Emerson is another case. Brought in after a long time on the side lines, he was a bargain buy alternative to Alex Sandro. Juventus had allegedly targeted him as the Sandro replacement, but Chelsea skipped the middle man and brought Emerson in. While he occasionally looked alright, for the most part he hasn’t had a place at Chelsea. All the pace in the world can’t turn a winger trapped inside a fullback’s life into a better fullback or wingback than Marcos Alonso.

Despite their times at Chelsea, both players are key cogs in Roberto Mancini’s Italian machine. The team is a bit of a reflection of the two players as well. No one is really talking about Italy as a Euros contender. Despite that, they may just sneak in as dark horse candidates because of how little pressure they are under.

Group A is a largely manageable group for the Italians, as well. It is hard to tell exactly who the toughest opponent will be, but all three of Turkey, Wales, and Switzerland are beatable. Even if not, the number of third placed teams advancing should give Italy hope for the knockout rounds even with a hiccup or two.

Italy, as a national team, isn’t getting much attention but perhaps they should be. This isn’t the defense first, 1-0 your way to the silverware Italian team of old. They still favor defense, but the team shows the influences of more progressive Italian managers of recent years. A 4-3-3 on paper shifts into a myriad of shapes on the ball based on the opposition and players available. Emerson’s ability to get up and down the pitch helps these transitions, but Jorginho is one of the masterminds of the Italian set up. It’s a role more akin to what he played at Napoli, but he’s surrounded by some workhorses in midfield that makes it work wonders.

For Chelsea, Italy could be an interesting team to watch. Emerson will be in the spotlight as he surely seeks a transfer. Jorginho’s role could give Thomas Tuchel ideas for a potential back four system, but it could also further ignite the flames Jorginho’s agent has been trying to fan for years now. Either way, Italy might be one to keep an eye on for a deep run into the tournament.