First indications from Italy training are that Antonio Conte will run with Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile in attack, instead of Mario Balotelli.
Early attention has focused on the former Milan man’s inclusion in the CT’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia and the friendly with Albania that follows two days later.
First indications from Italy training are that Antonio Conte will run with Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile in attack, instead of Mario Balotelli.
Early attention has focused on the former Milan man’s inclusion in the CT’s squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier with Croatia and the friendly with Albania that follows two days later.
However, based on tactical work carried out in training today, Conte tested Zaza and Immobile in the front-two positions ahead of Balotelli.
For Sunday’s test at San Siro against a nation the Azzurri haven’t defeated since 1942, Italy’s preparations today saw only Marco Verratti sit out.
At Coverciano, working his players to a 3-5-2 tactical drill, Conte lined them up against silhouettes spaced out in a 4-2-3-1 system that Croatia are likely to use at the weekend.
Andrea Bertolacci and Roberto Soriano were two of the changes Conte made to the line-up, while Mario Balotelli didn’t take part in the game.
Italy probable XI to face Croatia: Buffon; Ranocchia, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Darmian, Candreva, De Rossi, Marchisio, De Sciglio; Zaza, Immobile