Italy staff member Attilio Lombardo explains the picks against Poland, assuring Manuel Locatelli, Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi ‘provide guarantees.’
The Nations League clash kicks off at 19.45 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Coach Roberto Mancini is still at home self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, so Alberico Evani and Lombardo are on the bench with Gianluca Vialli.
Italy staff member Attilio Lombardo explains the picks against Poland, assuring Manuel Locatelli, Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi ‘provide guarantees.’
The Nations League clash kicks off at 19.45 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
Coach Roberto Mancini is still at home self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, so Alberico Evani and Lombardo are on the bench with Gianluca Vialli.
“It wasn’t easy to prepare, but the lads behaved so well. They are fired up, full of enthusiasm and we want to go all the way in the Nations League, so expect a great game,” Lombardo told RAI Sport.
The defence is completely revamped after Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Leonardo Spinazzola pulled out with injuries.
It means Inter defender Bastoni starts, having received his first senior cap in Wednesday’s 4-0 friendly win over Estonia.
“Alessandro Florenzi had a few physical issues, but he did well to balance things out in training and proved his fitness for a place in the starting XI.
“I think Acerbi and Bastoni give us plenty of guarantees. They are fundamental for their clubs, but also for this national team, so we made the choice based on their current club form and I believe the coach made the right choice.”
This game is played at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio-Emilia, the home of Sassuolo, and their midfielder Locatelli is starting tonight.
“We expect Locatelli to do what he knows, nothing more and nothing less. He has proved himself not just in this stadium, but also in others, that he can play well alongside Jorginho, Barella, Verratti or whoever.”
Ciro Immobile, Moise Kean and Pietro Pellegrini pulled out, so Torino hitman Andrea Belotti had to pass a late fitness test to start.
“We haven’t changed much tactically. Belotti is the striker who has been most prolific recently for Italy, he has recovered and said he felt ready to play, so he’s someone we can rely on.
“Federico Bernardeschi did very well against Estonia and we hope he can build on that performance this evening.”