If EURO 2020 teams were NFL franchises: Part 1
By Tadhg Flynn
1. Italy – NFL Franchise Comparison: San Francisco 49ers
Next game: vs. Austria, Saturday, June 26
Easily one of the best teams at the tournament, Italy have surprised most fans watching with how great their performances have been. Unbeaten in 30 international matches since June 2018, the team is the most in-form nation of the tournament. After 10 years of mediocrity from the soccer powerhouse, Italian football is in a very good place for success right now.
The squad is made up of a number of athletes in their prime years. The squad is playing great football with confidence, through a blend of experienced internationals and energetic youth. They have won 3-0 twice at the tournament already and, barring injury to their most important players, Italy have a fantastic chance of progressing through to the final.
They are defensively solid, energetic in midfield and have a cutting edge up front. Every team at the tournament should be worried about having to face them because of how balanced Italy are.
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Fans of the San Francisco 49ers should feel at home watching Italy play football. Both teams are impeccably coached and will smother opposition offences with great coverage. Injury is the main opponent of their team success, and they both have some of the proudest histories in their sports. If 49ers fans tune into Gli Azzurri games over the next few weeks, they will not be disappointed.