Roberto Mancini has a decision to make.

Italy’s undeniably superb midfield depth provides Mancini with an abundance of talent to choose from - in particular, from the four who have shone the brightest throughout the group stage.

However, four must now turn into three as they head into their Round of 16 clash with Austria on Sunday.

The initial starting three of Jorginho, Nicolo Barella and Manuel Locatelli have all put forward compelling cases to be among the three – with the latter in particular blowing all expectations out of the water in his two starts.

Marco Verratti, the man who was replaced by Locatelli, returned from injury against Wales with a superb performance and showed no signs of being hampered by his recent setback.

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Jorginho

It’s quite simple, Jorginho is the nucleus of the Italian team and one of the first names on the team-sheet.

When the Azzurri look to build from the back, he is first on the ball. When the Azzurri need a key interception, he is the last line of defence before the back four.

Jorginho is the metronome in the heart of midfield who helps keep Italy ticking over and ultimately, he is central to everything Italy looks to do.

Mancini’s system relies heavily on a player with the skill-set the Chelsea midfielder possesses – on and off the ball with his vision, array of passing and defensive attributes all important to the way the Azzurri look to play.

The 29-year-old has flourished in the national side, playing in a style which harkens back to his time under Maurizio Sarri at Napoli which best utilises his quality as a ‘six’. 

After three games, Jorginho ranks seventh for most passes in the entire competition (202) with an astonishing completion rate of 95.5% - while being the only Italian midfielder to feature and start in every game so far.

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Nicolo Barella

Nicolo Barella’s function in the team is paramount.

One can argue Barella is among some of the best midfielders in Europe at what he provides in attack and defence – especially thriving when given the license to get forward.

Mancini’s three midfielders play three very distinct roles and Barella’s function as the ‘mezzala’ gives Italy that extra outlet in attack.

What Barella possesses is a rare blend of work-rate, creativity and an eye for goal which makes him the Azzurri’s most dangerous midfielder inside the attacking third.

In the games the Inter midfielder featured in he was involved in four of the six Italy scored – including all three against Turkey and an assist for Locatelli’s second against the Swiss.

His role allows him to provide an extra outlet in attack as he provides late runs into the area to help support the likes of Ciro Immobile and Domenico Berardi, who he is usually seen rotating with on the flank.

The reigning Serie A Midfielder of the Year is also key in initiating the press from the second-line of defence, being the first of the midfield trident to join in the attack once opposing defences get on the ball.

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Manuel Locatelli

No one could have predicted the tournament that Manuel Locatelli was going to have.

After a tremendous season at Sassuolo and being thrusted into the side due to Verratti’s injury, the 23-year-old has not looked back putting in two eye-catching displays in Italy’s opening group games.

His second game, in particular, had the football world buzzing after scoring two goals and receiving the ‘Man of the Match’ for his efforts and has now caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

What Locatelli provides is a mix of everything, he’s solid defensively and he has an eye for goal, yet it's his ability to pick out a pass which him right up among Europe’s best.

The former AC Milan midfielder ranked first in Serie A for attempted passes (2785) completing on average 76.1 per 90-minutes and at a brilliant 87.5% efficiency to boot.

Mancini has given Locatelli more of a license to roam than he's had at Sassuolo, playing further up the pitch while not being required to get as many touches to keep the side ticking in possession.

In fact, his role is more of a box-to-box ‘eight’ which also allows him to also drop in centrally from his role on the left – especially when Barella bombs out wide.

Hence, why he is able to get himself in good positions around goal to not only create, but to also find the back of the net like we saw against Switzerland.

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Marco Verratti

There's no doubt that Marco Verratti is one of the best midfielders in the world and he reminded everyone of how talented he really is against Wales.

With Italy’s passage to the Round of 16 secure, the PSG midfielder made his timely return from injury with aplomb putting in what some may describe as a ‘fuoriclasse’.

As described by The Athletic’s James Horncastle, Italy got “their Xavi” back and boy, did they look richer for it.

Playing in the role Locatelli has occupied for the opening two games, Verratti was everywhere accumulating more touched (136), created more chances (5), had more tackles and passes into the final third than any other player.

Oh, did we mention he got the assist for the solitary goal as well?

Yep, he was brilliant. 

Not only can Verratti play as an ‘eight’, he can play the Barella ‘mezzala’ role and can also fill Jorginho’s position as a ‘six’ – creating not only a selection dilemma for Mancini but in-fact a selection migraine.

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Verdict

So where does Mancini go from here?

Four compelling cases, yet only three slots to fill for the trip to London.

If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from the former Manchester City boss, it's that he doesn’t believe in a ‘best XI’, but in-fact is more of a system-based coach.

Mancini will not sacrifice system before personnel, hence why the formation won’t change and will do all he can to put the three best players to fit in his 4-3-3.

Having five, potentially six changes means whoever misses out still may feature in some aspect – giving Mancini the chance to shuffle the deck should things need to be altered.

Jorginho is a lock at the base of midfield after featuring in each game, while Barella plays as the ‘mezzala’ role better than anyone else meaning it comes down to Verratti or Locatelli.

Verratti’s case for a start was far too good to ignore and unfortunately, for Locatelli, it seems as if he will be the unlucky one to miss out.

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