While Giorgio Chiellini assures he is fit to play, Leonardo Bonucci is not ready, so there are two options to partner Alessandro Bastoni in the Italy defence against North Macedonia.
The World Cup play-off semi-final kicks off in Palermo on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.
The winners of that game will go on to face either Portugal or Turkey on Tuesday March 29.
Roberto Mancini has to reshuffle his defence, as Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Leonardo Spinazzola are both out of action, having been first choice full-backs at UEFA EURO 2020.
Alessandro Florenzi and Emerson Palmieri are therefore tipped to play.
In the centre, Inter defender Bastoni seems certain of his spot, but his partner remains in doubt.
Bonucci is not training with the rest of the group at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo this evening, suggesting he isn’t ready to feature tomorrow.
It is hardly a surprise, as he has not played since Juventus beat Empoli on February 26.
Meanwhile, Chiellini said in today’s press conference he was fully fit and able to play, although it’s likely Italy will hold the veteran back to be ready for the decider against Portugal or Turkey.
Francesco Acerbi of Lazio and Roma’s Gianluca Mancini are the alternatives to complete the back four.
🇮🇹 #ItaliaMacedoniadelNord – La rifinitura della squadra di #Mancini a Palermo
👉 @RaimondoDM pic.twitter.com/0Wo2iEDCsD— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) March 23, 2022
Mancini over Acerbi 100%
I think it is a mistake to overlook any opponent, if Chiellini is fit to play, start him with Bastoni, there are no gimmes at this point, deal with the next day’s game the next day.
As good as Chellini is, it is time for the new generation to take over. When is the right time? There is never a right time other than the present. Our defense will do fine. Mancini has done way better than most of us expected. I think he has earned our trust. So trust the man. 37 matches with no defeat and a Championship along the way…..he knows what he is doing. Forza Italia!!!