Italy will be forced into changes for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Israel, as Alessandro Bastoni is suspended and Moise Kean probably injured.
The match will kick off at the Stadio Friuli in Udine on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
It can be the opportunity to lock down that play-off spot, as Norway would be almost impossible to catch on goal difference, even if Italy win the head-to-head showdown next month.
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Estonia 1-3 Italy
Some squad rotation is likely for the second game in a few days, but a few decisions are forced upon coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Italy without Bastoni and probably Kean
Bastoni was booked in this evening’s 3-1 victory over Estonia, so the Inter defender will be suspended for the Israel match.
Kean is also a major doubt after he was carried off the field with a suspected ankle sprain, having scored the opening goal in Tallinn.
With Bastoni’s absence, it is also less likely that Gattuso will experiment with a three-man defence, as Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno is already injured.
Alternatives are Matteo Gabbia of Milan and Roma veteran Gianluca Mancini.
“We have Mancini, Gabbia, even Di Lorenzo can play there, so it’s fine,” assured the coach to Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ll see if the system changes, but we have men at our disposal. We’ll arrive late tomorrow morning in Udine, so we’ve got to rest and see how everyone recovers, then decide.”
Group I
| Rank | Teams | Played | Goal difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 6 | 26 | 18 |
| 2 | Italy | 6 | 10 | 15 |
| 3 | Israel | 7 | -4 | 9 |
| 4 | Estonia | 7 | -10 | 4 |
| 5 | Moldova | 6 | -22 | 1 |
Oh, bless Gennaro Gattusos heart. First the heartbreak of Estonia, now this logistical puzzle! Alessandro Bastoni out with a suspension – talk about timing! – leaving the three-man defense dream dead in its tracks. Cant even throw Di Lorenzo at the problem this time, apparently. Italys World Cup fate seems poised on a sprained ankle and a veterans availability. Its like a football version of Who Will Survive? but with more Gattuso sighs and less dramatic music. Good luck to the Azzurri, youre going to need it – and maybe a lucky coin!
give Coppola a start. Dimarco, Bastoni and Di Lorenzo cannot defend, they are utterly dreadful. Until we lose the group think on these players Italy will remain weak.
Di Lorenzo should not be in the team – will prove to be weak link again at some point.
Donnarumma
Kayode Bastoni Calafori Udogie
Barella Scalvini Tonali
Chiesa Retegui Kean
Key subs…
Buongiorno, H Ahanor, Frattesi, Pisilli, Gnonto / Kolosheo, Pio Esposito Camarda
Older but useful
Spinazzola Politano