Italy seem ready to use a ‘compact’ attacking trident of Domenico Berardi, Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Chiesa for the crucial World Cup qualifier in Northern Ireland.
It kicks off at Windsor Park in Belfast on Monday at 19.45 GMT.
The Azzurri need a victory and hope that Switzerland do not hammer Bulgaria in the other game, as they are currently leading the group only on goal difference, +11 to +9.
Injuries continue to pile up for Roberto Mancini, who has seen Ciro Immobile, Nicolò Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Giorgio Chiellini, Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Calabria, Cristiano Biraghi and Salvatore Sirigu all leave the squad.
That is not to mention long-term absentees Marco Verratti, Leonardo Spinazzola, Rafael Toloi and Alessandro Florenzi.
He brought in Davide Zappacosta, Gian Marco Ferrari, Gianluca Scamacca, Matteo Pessina and Danilo Cataldi.
It is increasingly likely that Andrea Belotti will drop to the bench after the 1-1 draw in Switzerland, in favour of a trident attack with Berardi, Insigne and Chiesa.
Sassuolo forward Berardi made a good impression coming off the bench against Switzerland, pushed over for the penalty that Jorginho blasted over the bar, while Chiesa and Insigne are versatile enough to switch positions.
Francesco Acerbi will again start at centre-back with Leonardo Bonucci, but the other change could be in midfield.
Manuel Locatelli looked off the pace and should make way for Milan starlet Sandro Tonali, who was poached from the Under-21 side and again made a good substitute appearance in Rome.
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Tonali; Berardi, Insigne, Chiesa
Emerson is too slow and predictable! Spinazzola absence is huge.
Spina is a massive miss, best left back in the world
Mancini should give Matteo Darmian a chance, he’s very versatile just like Zambrotta,,
Acerbi is too slow,, hopefully Mancini gets a chance to partner Bonucci
He should play 4 mid n Ireland going with 5 in midfield , going to be hard to get more than one goal win . And now Portugal and Sweden in playoff just fantastic
All will be well I hope. Just in case use 2 diapers, wet wipes and disposable gloves.
Emerson has never been slow, what a daft comment Al.
He’s been decent and did well in the EUROS when needed.
Common Italy! Incase of a slip up, Macedonia is in the playoffs too…
Those criticising Emerson are harsh as he’s been a reliable replacement for Spinazzola. However, it is not a coincidence that our performances without Spina have been more efficient than dynamic, his absence definitely effects the way we play, but we have coped well.
For me, Calabria should now be starting over Di Lorenzo and the speculated front 3 for tonight’s game would get my vote too.
People speak of Locatelli being off the pace on Friday but with Barella coming off an injury I thought he looked more sloppy and I would therefore give Locatelli another go with Tonali alongside Jorginho. Barella can be used as an impact player later the game.
Northern Ireland will make it as difficult for us as possible. They will water the pitch to the maximum amount allowed and they have nothing to lose. However, I am so pleased that what I have mentioned in previous blog in stating that we need to do first touch football as much as possible and fast with it and Mancio has stated exactly that. This is the only way to out wit the opposition and most of all be much more cynical in front of goal. Unfortunately, those 3 draws have cost us a lot so now in our hands and must not think too much about the Swiss game and lets hope we have some luck back as we have also been very unlucky since the Euro Win. Sempre Forza Italia