Wholesale changes are expected from both sides when Italy take on England at Wembley in Tuesday evening’s Euro 2024 qualifier.
Luciano Spalletti is tipped to make eight changes to the team that beat Malta 4-0 in Bari on Saturday evening; Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolo Barella and Domenico Berardi are the three who are likely to retain their starting positions.
An all-changed back four will take to the field in London, as Destiny Udogie is set to make his full senior debut at international level. He will be joined by Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Giorgio Scalvini and Francesco Acerbi.
Barella will be accompanied by Inter teammate Davide Frattesi in the middle of the park, while the papers predict that Roma’s Bryan Cristante will be the anchor.
Spalletti confirmed in his press conference on Monday that Gianluca Scamacca has a role to play against England. he is set to be flanked by Berardi and Stephan El-Shaarawy.
England, who fielded a rotated side against Australia on Friday, are expected to deploy practically their strongest available XI, with first-team regulars John Stones, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and captain Harry Kane likely to start.
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 UK time.
England (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Phillips, Rice, Bellingham; Foden, Kane, Rashford.
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Scalvini, Acerbi, Udogie; Barella, Cristante, Frattesi; Berardi, Scamacca, El-Shaarawy.
Why is El-Shaarawy starting a must win game? Wasnt he a backup call?
I hope this probable line up is wrong or Italy have no chance! Where’s Bastoni, our best defender? Midfield looks lightweight and why on earth is El-Shaarawy in the line up?
I highly doubt this is the line up