Despite some doubts, boss Cesare Prandelli is expected to field the same Italy side that faced Spain in today’s game against Croatia.
There were suggestions that Mario Balotelli could be replaced in the starting XI by Antonio Di Natale, but the Manchester City man is being tipped to start.
Despite some doubts, boss Cesare Prandelli is expected to field the same Italy side that faced Spain in today’s game against Croatia.
There were suggestions that Mario Balotelli could be replaced in the starting XI by Antonio Di Natale, but the Manchester City man is being tipped to start.
Di Natale came on for the former Inter striker during the second half of the game against Spain and he almost immediately found the back of the net in the 1-1 draw.
Italy, who went into the tournament with a 4-3-1-2 system, will use the same 3-5-2 that they fielded on Sunday, a shape that includes midfielder Daniele De Rossi in central defence.
Juventus’ Emanuele Giaccherini, who could have been replaced by Federico Balzaretti, is set to keep his spot as the left wing-back.
Italy probable: Buffon; Bonucci, De Rossi, Chiellini; Maggio, Marchisio, Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Giaccherini; Cassano, Balotelli