Roberto Mancini expects a ‘different’ match against Spain in the Nations League after their UEFA EURO 2020 clash, but warns Federico Chiesa won’t be used as a centre-forward tomorrow.
The semi-final kicks off at San Siro on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
It is their first meeting since the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final, which had to be decided on penalties at Wembley Stadium.
“Spain put in a great performance that day, perhaps the best of the Euros, and they are a very technical side who have been playing like this for many years. They caused us a lot of problems,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
“We watched that game back and evaluated what we can improve, but I think it will be a different, much more open encounter. Both teams want to win and I think it’ll be more fun too.”
Both squads are missing key players, particularly upfront, as Ciro Immobile, Andrea Belotti and Alvaro Morata are out of action.
“It’s disappointing that we are without two important players at the Euros, as they are both injured. We have in their place young players with different characteristics, Moise Kean and Giacomo Raspadori, so it can be an opportunity for them.”
It has also been suggested that Mancini could follow in Juventus coach Max Allegri’s footsteps by using Chiesa as a False 9 during this injury crisis.
“Chiesa can play in any attacking roles. His natural position is on the right wing, then left and a striker. He is very attack-minded, has pace and a great shot.
“I think he can improve a great deal, doing much, much more, but also he can play in any role upfront. He’d be an atypical centre-forward, but he could do it.
“We’ll evaluate how everyone is and decide tomorrow, but I don’t think Chiesa will be used there against Spain.”
Italy are unbeaten in a world record 37 matches and are the reigning European Champions, so the enthusiasm is still sky high going into the Nations League finals.
“I expect Italy to continue entertaining, playing well and making the fans happy.”
Domani la semifinale di #NationsLeague #ItaliaSpagna ore 20:45 @RaiUno #Mancini: “Sarà una bella partita, Pellegrini? Sta facendo molto bene in campionato, è un’opzione”
L’intervista integrale 👉 https://t.co/bzysCvyOvq@Azzurri @robymancio pic.twitter.com/k5UFVJCegv
— RaiSport (@RaiSport) October 5, 2021
Immobile and Belotti are not important players from Italy. In fact they get in the way. Not having them makes Italy better
Immobile and belotti haven’t been successful in azzurri. Team will play better without them .
The lord has given us the gift of Immobile’ absence. This is a god send believe me.
Chiesa should lead the attack plain and simple.
Spain have many regulars out! Italy should assert themselves and make a statement. I want to see more of Raspadori and Kean.
Spain 2 italy 1
Kean should be on bench that probably where he is best at. Not sure why all comments refer to him as great. Has done nothing for Italy in any games scored against worst ranked teams, he is clumsy with the ball and terrible dribbling. There are far better players to play in that position. Wasteful slot to be given to a useless striker.