Will Emanuele Giaccherini’s Euro 2016 performances earn him a Sunderland recall?

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For Sunderland fans, Emanuele Giaccherini’s inclusion in the Italian 23-man squad for this years’ European Championships may have come as a huge surprise after his underwhelming spell at the club.

Even more surprising then, were the consistent and accomplished performances that the Italian put in over the course of Italy’s campaign in France, spearheading their charge to an agonising quarter-final loss on penalties to current world champions Germany.

Throughout his five appearances at the Euros, Giaccherini showcased all of the promise that the Black Cats had hoped he would bring to the Premier League, exhibiting determination and a willingness to drive and run at defenders, drawing them into the tackle before gliding past them.

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Although he only had one full season on Wearside after injuries plagued his second year and ruled him out for most of the 2014/15 campaign, to say that Giaccherini did not set the Premier League alight is an understatement. Across his 32 games there was no evidence to suggest that he was fit for a Sunderland shirt yet alone an Italian one, and as a result of thi,s he missed out on a place in the Italian 2014 Word Cup squad. Looking to rediscover his form, he spent last season back in Italy on-loan at newly-promoted side Bologna.

However, his recent string of games on the big stage would have almost certainly raised an eyebrow or two over at Sunderland, not least after his man of the match performance against a strong Belgian side where he controlled a defence including Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld, peeling off nicely to slot past Thibaut Courtois in goal.

It is not just this well-taken goal against Belgium and his calm assist in Italy’s defeat of Spain that have taken Giaccherini into the limelight over the last month, as he also seems to have regained a sense of confidence in his own play that has been missing for quite some time.

He seemed to have picked up an extra yard of pace against the Spanish, giving experienced defender Sergio Ramos a headache in a first-half display that truly spurred the Azzurri on. Cutting inside and testing David De Gea from 20-yards out was just one example of him suddenly playing with a spring in his step.

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Whether this re-found confidence is due to the extra passion and motivation that comes from playing for the national side, or whether it is something that only Conte can seemingly bring out of Giaccherini (like during his time at Juventus under his management), it could be said that the 31-year-old is currently enjoying the form of his life.

With this in mind, Sunderland should try and cash in on this form while they can. Even though he has misfired at the club in the past, possessing a player of Giaccherini’s calibre at the top of his game is certainly a risk worth taking, especially when they will be looking to build on their relegation escape last season under new manager Sam Allardyce.

The Italian’s versatile nature could prove vital for Allardyce’s side, with the midfielder able to switch from a central role to a wider position on the wings – a position where Conte brilliantly used him in France and a position where he flourished.

However, according to recent reports, the ex-Juventus man seems to have his sights set firmly on a move away from the Stadium of Light, allegedly holding out for a “dream” move to Chelsea alongside fellow Italian and outgoing national boss Antonio Conte.

Giaccherini’s agent, Furio Valcareggi, also confirmed that Torino, Fiorentina and a permanent move to loan club Bologna are potentially on the cards. Therefore, if Sunderland are to keep the Italian they may have to move quickly and lay their cards on the table.

If Giaccherini is set to make a move in the immediate future Torino are arguably the front-runners, with a £2 million move reportedly set to happen over the next few weeks if the clubs can come to an agreement.

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Yet, with Sunderland very narrowly avoiding relegation again last season by the skin of their teeth, managing to ward off the attention of clubs that are sniffing around and keeping the Italian at the club would be as good an acquisition as a brand new signing; and if the early season performances mirror those at the European Championships, it would give the Stadium of Light a much-needed lift after a poor few years.

As well as this, the fact of the matter is that if Giaccherini wants a spot in the Sunderland team, he almost certainly could take it. No disrespect to the current midfield line-up on Wearside, but other than Sunderland’s prodigal son Sebastian Larsson, there isn’t too much international quality on offer.

Giaccherini’s energy and drive could be exactly what Sunderland need next year to be more competitive in the Premier League, and if they do indeed manage to keep hold of him for another season the Black Cats might just have rediscovered a gem of a player.

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