Italy are expected to field a new 4-2-4 formation in tonight’s World Cup qualifier with Liechtenstein, including a debutant.
It kicks off in Vaduz at 19.45 GMT.
Coach Giampiero Ventura has been using Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system so far, having had little time to work with the squad after Euro 2016.
However, for this match and Tuesday’s friendly against Germany at San Siro, he has opted to begin the transition to the new Azzurri era.
Italy are expected to field a new 4-2-4 formation in tonight’s World Cup qualifier with Liechtenstein, including a debutant.
It kicks off in Vaduz at 19.45 GMT.
Coach Giampiero Ventura has been using Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system so far, having had little time to work with the squad after Euro 2016.
However, for this match and Tuesday’s friendly against Germany at San Siro, he has opted to begin the transition to the new Azzurri era.
That starts out with the tactics, going to the 4-2-4 Ventura has often favoured during his career and which should suit the numerous attacking wingers in Italian football.
Andrea Belotti and Ciro Immobile again start together as partners, but will be flanked by Antonio Candreva and Giacomo Bonaventura.
Daniele De Rossi and Marco Verratti form the midfield, while Alessio Romagnoli steps in for injured Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini at centre-back with ever-present Leonardo Bonucci.
Mattia De Sciglio gets the nod on the left, but there is a senior Italy debut for Torino right-back Davide Zappacosta, who has 17 caps at Under-21 level.
It’ll be his first appearance for the Nazionale at the age of 24, having impressed this season at Toro.
Gianluigi Buffon is in goal for his 166th senior Italy cap.
Marco Parolo misses out due to suspension, while Armando Izzo, Federico Bernardeschi, Nicola Sansone, Leonardo Pavoletti and Gianluca Lapadula were cut from the final 23-man squad.
They are all likely to play the friendly against Germany on Tuesday.
Probable line-ups
Liechtenstein: Jehle; Oehri, Kaufmann, Polverino, Rechsteiner; Salanovic, Marcel Buchel, Martin Buchel, Wieser, Burgmeier; Gubser
Italy: Buffon; Zappacosta, Bonucci, Romagnoli, De Sciglio; De Rossi, Verratti; Candreva, Immobile, Belotti, Bonaventura