Slovakia heads into Euro 2024 with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, aiming to make a mark despite lacking a high-profile goal-scoring talisman. Their journey through the qualification campaign was impressive, hinting at a team greater than the sum of its parts, built on experience and a strong tactical framework. This profile delves into what makes Slovakia a compelling team to watch in Euro 2024.
The Managerial Story: Francesco Calzona’s Unique Path to Slovakia Euro
Francesco Calzona’s appointment as Slovakia’s manager is one of the more remarkable narratives in international football management. Unlike many international coaches, Calzona’s playing career was modest, and he spent his early career balancing amateur football with selling coffee. His deep dive into professional football came through coaching, specifically as part of Maurizio Sarri’s staff across five different clubs. Notably, this included a successful period at Napoli, a tenure that indirectly paved the way for his role with Slovakia.
His connection to Slovakia was forged at Napoli through Marek Hamsik, the Slovakian legend, former captain, and record appearance holder. When Slovakia sought a new manager in 2022, Hamsik championed Calzona, who was then under Luciano Spalletti at Napoli. Initially, the appointment of Calzona was met with skepticism. However, those doubts quickly dissipated as Slovakia’s Euro 2024 qualification campaign unfolded.
Francesco Calzona, SlovakiaFrancesco Calzona leading Slovakia into Euro 2024, bringing Serie A tactical experience.
The campaign began with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Luxembourg, but from there, Slovakia surged. They secured victories in almost every subsequent match, only dropping points in their games against dominant group winners Portugal. Ultimately, Slovakia comfortably qualified from a group that included Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland. After securing Slovakia’s Euro 2024 spot, Calzona even had a temporary stint back at Napoli, stepping in as head coach. While his time there had mixed results, it didn’t diminish his standing with the Slovakian national team. Hamsik now serves as part of Calzona’s backroom staff, a testament to their relationship and Hamsik’s belief in Calzona’s vision for Slovakia Euro 2024.
Emerging Slovak Talent: Household Names in the Making for Euro 2024
Slovakia’s Euro 2024 squad leans towards experience, featuring several players in their thirties. However, there are emerging talents ready to make an impact. One such player is Tomas Suslov, a young midfielder who earned Hellas Verona’s Player of the Year award in Serie A, helping them avoid relegation. Suslov offers dynamism and creativity off the bench for Slovakia in Euro 2024.
Another key player to watch is forward Robert Bozenik. Once considered a rising star in Slovak football during his time at Zilina, Bozenik’s career stalled after a move to Feyenoord. However, a move to Boavista in Portugal revitalized his form. Bozenik found his scoring touch again, netting eight goals in 15 games last season. While his goalscoring form dipped towards the end of the season, Slovakia is banking on Bozenik to be the reliable source of goals they need at Euro 2024.
Robert Bozenik, SlovakiaRobert Bozenik, Slovakia’s key striker, aims to bring his Portuguese league form to Euro 2024.
Strengths of Slovakia Euro Team: A Settled and Cohesive Unit
One of Slovakia’s main strengths heading into Euro 2024 is their team cohesion and stability. The core of the Slovakian team is well-established and familiar with each other, fostering a strong understanding on the pitch. The midfield is expected to be anchored by the experienced trio of 37-year-old Juraj Kucka, Ondrej Duda, and Stanislav Lobotka. Lobotka, playing for Napoli, has a direct connection to coach Calzona, enhancing their tactical understanding.
The defensive setup is also largely settled, built around Paris Saint-Germain’s Milan Skriniar and Feyenoord’s David Hancko at left-back. Hancko has attracted significant transfer interest after a strong season. Martin Dubravka from Newcastle United will be the reliable presence in goal. While the attacking lineup is slightly less certain, the majority of the squad that secured Euro 2024 qualification will represent Slovakia in Germany, providing a solid foundation.
Weaknesses: The Search for Goals for Slovakia in Euro 2024
A significant weakness for Slovakia in Euro 2024 is the absence of a consistent, proven goalscorer. With Marek Hamsik retired from international football, Slovakia lacks a clear talisman to turn to in tight matches. Robert Mak, another experienced player and their highest active goalscorer post-Hamsik, was not included in the Euro 2024 squad, further thinning their experienced attacking options.
While Bozenik offers potential, his international goalscoring record is still developing. Robert Polievka, who led the line earlier in qualification, is yet to score for the national team. Interestingly, winger Lukas Haraslin was Slovakia’s top scorer in qualifying with just three goals, highlighting the team’s reliance on shared goal contributions. In fact, 11 different players scored for Slovakia during qualification, suggesting a team-oriented approach to scoring rather than dependence on a single star, which could be both a strength and a weakness in Euro 2024.
A Story Beyond the Field: Jan Novota’s Euro 2024 Journey
Slovakia’s Euro 2024 participation carries a deeply personal and emotional dimension with the inclusion of Jan Novota, their goalkeeping coach. Novota, a former goalkeeper himself, had a modest playing career, notably with Rapid Vienna. In 2017, just after signing for Debrecen, medical tests revealed a life-threateningly enlarged aorta, forcing his immediate retirement from playing. At the time, Novota was part of the national team setup and might have featured in Euro 2020 if not for this condition.
Jan Novota, SlovakiaJan Novota, Slovakia’s goalkeeping coach at Euro 2024, achieving a different kind of dream after a career-ending diagnosis.
However, Novota’s story took a positive turn. In 2023, after coaching at Slovakian club Komarno, he was appointed as the national team’s goalkeeping coach by Calzona. Being part of the Slovakia Euro 2024 team is a remarkable second chapter for Novota. While it’s not the same as playing in a major tournament, his presence in Germany is a powerful symbol of resilience and dedication.
Euro 2024 Expectations for Slovakia: From Hope to Optimism
Expectations back home for Slovakia at Euro 2024 are evolving. After a disappointing group stage exit at Euro 2020 and facing a potentially challenging qualification group, initial ambitions might have been limited to simply qualifying for Euro 2024. However, the dominant manner in which they secured qualification has shifted perceptions. There’s a growing sense that Slovakia might achieve more than just participation. While still underdogs, the team’s solid structure and tactical approach under Calzona, combined with emerging talents and experienced core, could see Slovakia surprise a few at Euro 2024.
Slovakia’s Euro 2024 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Martin Dubravka (Newcastle United), Marek Rodak (Fulham), Henrik Ravas (New England).
Defenders: Peter Pekarik (Hertha Berlin), Norbert Gyomber (Salernitana), Denis Vavro (Copenhagen), Milan Skriniar (PSG), Adam Obert (Cagliari), David Hancko (Feyenoord), Vernon De Marco (Hatta), Sebastian Kosa (Spartak Trnava).
Midfielders: Matus Bero (Bochum), Juraj Kucka (Slovan Bratislava), Tomas Rigo (Banik), Patrik Hrosovsky (Genk), Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli), Ondrej Duda (Verona), Laszlo Benes (Hamburg).
Forwards: David Duris (Ascoli), Tomas Suslov (Verona), Ivan Schranz (Slavia Prague), Robert Bozenik (Boavista), David Strelec (Slovan Bratislava), Lubomir Tupta (Liberec), Leo Sauer (Feyenoord), Lukas Haraslin (Sparta Prague).
