There are several options for Italy’s line-up against Poland in the Nations League tonight, but it will be the first without World Cup winners.
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
The first competitive match under new CT Roberto Mancini will have the 4-3-3 system, but there is precious little else known about who he will pick.
There are several options for Italy’s line-up against Poland in the Nations League tonight, but it will be the first without World Cup winners.
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
The first competitive match under new CT Roberto Mancini will have the 4-3-3 system, but there is precious little else known about who he will pick.
Even two hours before kick-off, it’s not clear whether we’ll see Roberto Gagliardini or Marco Benassi in midfield, while Federico Bernardeschi and Federico Chiesa are battling for position in the trident attack.
Cristiano Biraghi of Fiorentina is the favourite ahead of not 100 per cent fit Mimmo Criscito at left-back.
Whatever happens, this will be an historic match, as it’s the first competitive game for Italy since 2006 without any of the World Cup winners in the line-up.
Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele De Rossi are the only remaining figures available for selection, but neither are in the squad this time around.
Probable line-ups
Italy (4-3-3): G Donnarumma; Zappacosta, Bonucci, Chiellini, Biraghi; Benassi, Jorginho, Pellegrini; Bernardeschi, Balotelli, Insigne
Poland (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Bednarek, Reca; Krychowiak, Linetty; Blaszczykowski, Zielinski, Frankowski; Lewandowski