Italy In FIFA 22: Squad, Ratings & More

Hey FIFA fans! If you're like me, you've probably been diving deep into FIFA 22, trying out different teams, and seeing who's got the best virtual talent. Today, we're going to talk about a squad that's always a fan favorite, especially after their incredible Euro 2020 triumph: the Italy national team in FIFA 22. We'll break down their key players, their overall strengths, and what you can expect when you take the Azzurri for a spin on the virtual pitch. So, grab your controller, and let's get into it!

Unpacking the Azzurri's FIFA 22 Arsenal

When we talk about the Italy team in FIFA 22, we're talking about a squad built on a foundation of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and a surprising amount of pace upfront. While they might not have the sheer star power of some other nations in terms of individual 90+ rated players, their collective strength, tactical discipline, and well-rounded stats make them a formidable opponent. EA Sports did a pretty solid job reflecting their real-world resurgence, giving them a generally high team rating. They often start with a team rating around 85-86, with their attack typically sitting around 84, midfield at 86, and that legendary defense often boasting an impressive 87. This means you’re getting a team that’s balanced and capable in all areas of the game. Forget just parking the bus; this Italy squad in FIFA 22 has the tools to play both defensively sound football and execute quick, incisive attacking moves. Whether you prefer a possession-based game or a swift counter-attack, the Azzurri can adapt. Their strengths lie in their ability to control the tempo, frustrate opponents with their defensive organization, and then strike with precision. It's this blend of grit and flair that makes playing as Italy so satisfying. You feel like you're part of a cohesive unit, not just a collection of superstars. The midfield, in particular, is often highlighted for its work rate and passing ability, allowing you to dictate play and create chances. And let's not forget that iconic blue jersey – playing as Italy just feels right, doesn't it?!

Key Players and Their FIFA 22 Impact

Now, let's dive into the players who make the Italy team in FIFA 22 tick. While the whole squad is strong, there are definitely a few names that stand out and will be crucial to your success. Leading the line, you've got players who bring a mix of pace and finishing ability. Think about players like Federico Chiesa, whose blistering pace and dribbling stats make him a constant threat on the wing or cutting inside. He’s the kind of player who can unlock a stubborn defense with a moment of individual brilliance. His high pace and agility in FIFA 22 mean he can leave defenders in the dust. Then there's Lorenzo Insigne, a magician on the ball with fantastic dribbling and passing. While he might not be the tallest, his close control and ability to curl shots into the top corner are second to none. He's your go-to playmaker, capable of threading the needle with defense-splitting passes or scoring spectacular goals himself. In midfield, the engine room is where Italy truly shines. Jorginho, a maestro of passing and control, offers incredible composure and vision. He dictates the tempo, recycles possession, and rarely gives the ball away. His passing accuracy and long-passing ability in FIFA 22 are top-notch, making him the perfect deep-lying playmaker. Alongside him, you'll often find players like Nicolò Barella or Sandro Tonali, who bring energy, box-to-box ability, and a strong defensive contribution. Barella, in particular, is a workhorse with great stamina, dribbling, and shooting stats, making him a dynamic force in the center of the park. He's like a mini-engine that never stops running. And then, we get to the heart and soul of any Italian team: the defense. While specific starting center-backs might vary, the general quality is superb. You'll find reliable defenders with good strength, tackling, and positioning. Players like Giorgio Chiellini (though often lower rated due to age in FIFA 22) still bring that legendary defensive presence and leadership. However, the future is bright with players like Alessandro Bastoni emerging as dominant forces. Their defensive awareness and physicality make it incredibly difficult for opponents to break through. Goalkeepers like Gianluigi Donnarumma are absolute walls, possessing excellent reflexes and shot-stopping abilities that will save you countless goals. His commanding presence and agility make him one of the best keepers in the game. Building your attack around Chiesa's pace, Insigne's creativity, Jorginho's control, and the tireless work of the midfielders, all protected by a rock-solid defense, is the name of the game when you play as Italy in FIFA 22. Each player brings a specific, vital attribute that complements the whole, making the Italy FIFA 22 squad a masterclass in team synergy.

Strengths and Weaknesses: What to Expect

Let's get real, guys. Every team has its superpowers and its Achilles' heels, and the Italy team in FIFA 22 is no different. When you're lining up with the Azzurri, you'll immediately notice their immense defensive strength. Seriously, their backline is a fortress. With high defensive awareness, tackling, and strength stats across the board, they are incredibly difficult to break down. They excel at shutting down passing lanes, making crucial interceptions, and generally frustrating attackers. This defensive solidity is their bread and butter, allowing you to build your game with confidence. Complementing this is their superb midfield control. Players like Jorginho are masters of possession, dictating the tempo and recycling the ball with pinpoint accuracy. This midfield ensures you rarely lose the ball cheaply and can patiently build attacks. Furthermore, the pace and dribbling ability of their wingers, especially players like Chiesa, offer a potent threat on the counter-attack. They can turn a defensive situation into an attacking one in seconds. Now, for the weaknesses. While they have excellent midfielders and creative playmakers, the striking options can sometimes feel a bit lacking in top-tier individual finishing compared to some other elite nations. While players like Ciro Immobile are solid, they might not have that one truly world-beating striker with 90+ finishing and pace that some other top teams boast. This means you might need to rely more on intricate build-up play or wing play rather than simply feeding a lone superstar striker. Another potential area where they can struggle is against teams with overwhelming physicality in the air, especially if your center-backs aren't the tallest. While their positioning is great, a team with towering strikers and midfielders could potentially exploit aerial duels. However, these weaknesses are relatively minor when you consider the overall balance and strength of the squad. The key is to play to their strengths: utilize the midfield's passing range, exploit the wingers' pace, and rely on that incredible defense to snuff out danger. Don't try to force passes to a lone striker if it's not on; instead, build patiently, use the width, and strike when the opportunity arises. The Italy FIFA 22 squad demands a tactical approach, rewarding smart play and discipline. It's not just about button-mashing; it's about understanding the game and leveraging the team's specific talents. Overall, the strengths of the Italy team in FIFA 22 far outweigh their weaknesses, making them a very viable and enjoyable team to play with, especially if you appreciate tactical football and defensive organization.

Playing Style and Tactics with Italy in FIFA 22

So, you've got the Italy team in FIFA 22, and you're ready to dominate. But how do you actually play with them to get the best results? Well, guys, it's all about embracing the Italian way, which traditionally means being defensively astute while also possessing the flair to hurt opponents. A great starting point is focusing on possession-based football in the midfield. With players like Jorginho orchestrating things, you can keep the ball, frustrate your opponent, and patiently wait for openings. Use short, crisp passes to move the ball around, drawing your opponent out of position. This allows your more creative players, like Insigne or Barella, to find pockets of space. Utilize the width! Italy's wingers are often rapid and skillful. Get the ball to them quickly, whether it's through direct passes or by switching play from the other flank. They can either take on their full-backs one-on-one, deliver crosses into the box, or cut inside to take shots. This is where players like Chiesa can really shine, using their pace to exploit any space left by aggressive full-backs. When you lose possession, it’s crucial to press high and intelligently. Don't just chase the ball aimlessly. Use your midfielders’ stamina and defensive awareness to cut off passing lanes and force turnovers in dangerous areas. The high defensive rating of the team means they can often win the ball back quickly. On the defensive side, staying compact is key. Avoid pulling your defenders out of position unnecessarily. Let your midfielders do the dirty work of tracking back and closing down opponents. Your backline is strong enough to deal with most threats if they are in the right place. Consider setting your custom tactics to favor a slightly more defensive shape when out of possession, perhaps with a