Italy are planning massive changes to the line-up against Macedonia, with Marco Verratti, Antonio Candreva, Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Skopje on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
For a look ahead ot the Macedonia match, read Gaby McKay's blog.
Italy are planning massive changes to the line-up against Macedonia, with Marco Verratti, Antonio Candreva, Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti.
The World Cup qualifier kicks off in Skopje on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
For a look ahead ot the Macedonia match, read Gaby McKay's blog.
It follows on from Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Spain in Turin, which saw Coach Giampiero Ventura criticised for taking too cautious an approach.
He is forced into some adjustments, as Riccardo Montolivo is out for six months after rupturing the ACL in his left knee during a clash with Sergio Ramos.
Giorgio Chiellini was meant to start in Macedonia, as he was suspended with Spain, but has pulled out with a calf injury.
The squad will fly out to Skopje this afternoon and inspect the pitch at the Arena Filip II.
Ventura is expected to confirm the 3-5-2 system, but very little else, as Verratti comes in to the deep-lying playmaker role.
Candreva is on the right for Alessandro Florenzi, while Belotti and Immobile replace Eder and Graziano Pellè (the Shandong Luneng striker frozen out for refusing to shake Ventura’s hand).
Florenzi could well start anyway in a deeper midfield role, though is battling with Giacomo Bonaventura for that spot.
Alessio Romagnoli will again have to start in defence for the absent Chiellini, having impressed on his senior Italy debut against Spain.
Italy (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Romagnoli; Candreva, Parolo, Verratti, Florenzi, De Sciglio; Belotti, Immobile