Daniele De Rossi’s injury could throw a spanner in the works, as Italy were leaning towards a 3-5-2 against Uruguay.

The Azzurri need at least a point on Tuesday in order to qualify from Group D, as they have a superior goal difference to the South Americans.

Multiple reports suggested Cesare Prandelli would change to a 3-5-2 system with De Rossi used as a centre-back.

Daniele De Rossi’s injury could throw a spanner in the works, as Italy were leaning towards a 3-5-2 against Uruguay.

The Azzurri need at least a point on Tuesday in order to qualify from Group D, as they have a superior goal difference to the South Americans.

Multiple reports suggested Cesare Prandelli would change to a 3-5-2 system with De Rossi used as a centre-back.

This is the same approach used for much of Euro 2012 and the Confederations Cup last year in Brazil.

However, De Rossi is undergoing tests for a calf injury and looks to be a major doubt to feature in this game.

Prandelli seems unwilling to use the Juventus block of Barzagli-Bonucci-Chiellini, even though they are accustomed to this tactic at club level.

It is therefore theorised that a repeat of the 4-1-4-1 system that helped beat England 2-1 is on the cards instead.

Thiago Motta would be the most likely candidate to replace De Rossi in that role between defence and midfield, even after a dismal performance against Costa Rica.

Milan’s Mattia De Sciglio is ready for his World Cup debut after recovering from a thigh problem and should take up the left-back slot, allowing Torino’s Matteo Darmian to return to his favoured right-back position.

This would reunite Darmian with Antonio Candreva down the right, a channel that caused numerous problems for England in Manaus.

Another alternative could be a 4-3-2-1 with Marco Verratti, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio in midfield, plus Candreva and Antonio Cassano supporting Mario Balotelli.

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