Roberto Mancini expects a ‘slightly different’ Italy game against Hungary compared to the win over England, but warns there is a ‘problem’ finding talents who play regularly.
It kicks off at the Puskas Arena in Budapest at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
This is the final Nations League match and only a victory will see the Azzurri qualify for the Final Four tournament next year in the Netherlands.
Mancini made only one change from the XI that beat England 1-0 on Friday, bringing in Wilfried Gnonto for Gianluca Scamacca, so does he expect a similar game?
“It’ll be slightly different to England, as Hungary have the advantage of being able to go through with a draw, so that changes things,” Mancini told RAI Sport.
“We must attack in order to win, so the system can be important, but it depends on the players and characteristics, the most important thing is the attitude of a team, being positive and pushing forward.”
Italy are the only side to have beaten Hungary so far in this Nations League group, 2-1 back in June, as the Group of Death ended up with Germany in third place and England relegated.
“It was a strain against England, but provided us with the euphoria of the result. It was not easy to be here in the final game still able to qualify for the Final Four, considering the group and the state of the squad, so it’s a boost.
“Italy have a problem right now, which is that there are very few Italians getting regular playing time at club level. My job is to find a solution, and that includes finding younger players like Gnonto. There are talents of that age, they just need the opportunity to play and gain experience.”
How would Mancini feel if he saw some of the players who pulled out of international duty then start for their clubs this weekend?
“I’ll be pleased, as it’ll mean they have resolved their issues. We always want the players to be in good shape. It is a week since the call-ups, so they have time to recover and we never want to cause problems for anyone.”