Euro 2024: Deschamps tip Italy as favourites

France coach Didier Deschamps has sold Italy will be a ‘highly competitive’ side at Euro 2024.The France coach stated this while speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Although Les Blues are among the favorites to win the competition, the 1998 World Cup winner believes Italy remains a tricky team despite the absence of ‘top-class’ players.

“It’s a harsh judgment. Italy won the Euros with the strength of their group,” the former Juventus midfielder stated as some quarters already criticized Luciano Spalletti’s men.

Perhaps they lacked stars in the past, but the French tactician said Italy still has some top-class players.

“You still have excellent footballers and some interesting youth. Despite not qualifying for the last two World Cup editions, Italy remains highly competitive,” he added.

Meanwhile, some players in the French squad ply their trade in the Italian top flight. Marcus Thuram, Olivier Giroud, Adrien Rabiot, Mike Maignan, and Theo Hernandez. They are expected to take center stage at the Euros with France.

Speaking on the debut season of Thuram, who won the Scudetto with Inter Milan on their debut season, Deschamps said the striker had a great season as his efficiency improved, in sync with Lautaro Martinez.

Noting that Thuram can play everywhere in attack, the coach said he has different characteristics than Giroud but can become his heir.

“Even if it will be Giroud’s last European Championship, it will be important to rely on his experience.”

He noted that Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to join Real Madrid soon from the soon, is accustomed to pressure.

“He had a tricky period with the club but still scored 44 goals. He will have maximum freedom on the pitch. My target is to line up a team that can give its best. Mbappé, as a captain, is entirely focused on the collective but still wants to make a difference, like all top-class players,” he said.