Italy test makeshift defence against North Macedonia

Italy tested their line-up ahead of the World Cup play-off against North Macedonia with a makeshift defence, Domenico Berardi, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne upfront.

It kicks off at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo on Thursday at 20.00 GMT.

The winners will go through to face either Portugal or Turkey for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Roberto Mancini had his final training session at the Coverciano ground today, as they are travelling to Palermo tomorrow.

Leonardo Bonucci is still out of action, while his Juventus teammate Giorgio Chiellini will probably be rested ahead of the final.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Leonardo Spinazzola are unavailable due to injury, so Alessandro Florenzi and Emerson Palmieri are expected to start, with Gianluca Mancini and Alessandro Bastoni in the centre.

The midfield is first choice, with Nicolò Barella, Jorginho and Marco Verratti.

Immobile will get the nod ahead of Andrea Belotti and Gianluca Scamacca, with Berardi of Sassuolo and Napoli captain Insigne completing the trident.

Italy probable (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Florenzi, Mancini, Bastoni, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne