Slovakia announce 32-man provisional squad for Euro 2024; Milan Skriniar included

The Falcons will give a tough fight in the European competition.

Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona has named a 32-man provisional squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 finals in Germany. The list, which needs to be whittled down to 26 players by June 7th, features some interesting selections, with a notable influence from Italy’s Serie A.

This comes after Slovakia achieved a remarkable feat – qualifying for three European Championship tournaments in a row! They made it to the round of 16 at Euro 2016 before being knocked out in the group stage of Euro 2020.

While the Falcons were not present at the last World Cup in Qatar (their only World Cup appearance came in 2010, reaching the round of 16), Italian coach Francesco Calzona has instilled renewed hope since taking over in November 2022.

They gave Portugal two close games during the qualifiers, showcasing their resilience, and will hope their experienced core can propel them into the knockout rounds again. This comes as no surprise, with Calzona having a close eye on these players throughout the season.

The most assured inclusion is likely Napoli’s midfield maestro, Stanislav Lobotka. A guaranteed starter for both club and country, Lobotka’s experience and composure in the center of the park will be crucial for Slovakia’s Euro 2024 hopes.

Joining Lobotka from Serie A are defenders Norbert Gyomber (Salernitana) and Adam Obert (Cagliari), along with midfield partner Ondrej Duda and young forward sensation Tomas Suslov, both of Hellas Verona.

Looking at the squad by position, Calzona seems well-stocked in midfield, with a good blend of experience and youth. The attacking options are also promising, with a mix of established goalscorers and exciting young prospects.

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However, questions remain in defense. While Hancko is a rock, there are concerns about finding a reliable partner for him, with Gyomber and Obert facing stiff competition for the starting spot.

Calzona’s final 26-man squad will be interesting to see. With some tough decisions to make, particularly in defense, the next few weeks will be crucial for those hoping to make the final cut.

Slovakia finds themselves in a competitive group alongside Ukraine, Romania, and Belgium. While progression might be a challenge, a well-drilled and determined Slovakian side, under the leadership of Calzona, can cause an upset or two.

Overall, Slovakia has a good mix of youth and experience at his disposal. The Serie A influence is interesting, and the final squad selection will be crucial for Slovakia’s Euro 2024 journey.

Slovakia provisional squad for Euro 2024

Goalkeepers: Martin Dúbravka (Newcastle United), Marek Rodak (Fulham), Henrich Ravas (New England Revolution), Dominik Takac (FC Spartak Trnava)

Defenders: Peter Pekarik (Hertha Berlin), Milan Skriniar (Paris Saint-Germain), Norbert Gyömber (Salernitana), David Hancko (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Denis Vavro (FC Copenhagen), Vernon De Marco (Hatta), Michal Tomic (Slavia Prague), Adam Obert (Cagliari), Matúš Kmet (AS Trencin), Sebastian Kósa (Spartak Trnava)

Midfielders: Juraj Kucka (Slovan Bratislava), Ondrej Duda (Hellas Verona), Patrik Hrosovsky (Racing Genk), Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli), Matus Bero (VfL Bochum), László Bénes (Hamburg SV), Jakub Kadak (FC Luzern), Dominik Holly (AS Trencin), Tomáš Rigo (Banik Ostrava)

Forwards: Róbert Bozeník (Boavista), Lukas Haraslin (Sparta Prague), Tomas Suslov (Hellas Verona), Ivan Schranz (Slavia Prague), Dávid Strelec (Slovan Bratislava), David Duris (Ascoli), Robert Polievka (Dukla Banska Bystrica), Lubomir Tupta (Liberec), Leo Sauer (Feyenoord Rotterdam)

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