Roberto Mancini confirms Jorginho will not start tonight’s Nations League game between Italy and Bosnia-Herzegovina, while defending the striker squad rotation.
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Franchi in Florence and is their first game since November 2019.
Click here for the probable line-ups.
Roberto Mancini confirms Jorginho will not start tonight’s Nations League game between Italy and Bosnia-Herzegovina, while defending the striker squad rotation.
It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Franchi in Florence and is their first game since November 2019.
Click here for the probable line-ups.
“It’s a very unusual situation, because players returned straight from their vacations, some haven’t been in training at all, so we’ll see if substitutions are needed during the game,” the CT told Rai Sport.
Giorgio Chiellini returns to the squad after his knee ligament injury, but Mancini warned to expect many changes going into Monday’s match against Holland.
“Giorgio is a very important player who has experience, but is also a very important person in the locker room for the other lads. Francesco Acerbi did very well filling in, so we have two games in four days and have to think about the alternatives in every area with many changes in the Netherlands.
“I don’t think Jorginho will start, as he arrived a few days later than the others, we’re still evaluating his fitness levels, so he’ll certainly be on the bench.”
Nicolò Zaniolo also returns after a lengthy injury absence, having torn his anterior cruciate ligament in January.
“I believe the important thing is that he’s growing up as a person as well as a player. As for tactical roles, he can play wide attack at Roma, in a trequartista position or in midfield, so I don’t think he’ll have many problems adapting.”
Andrea Belotti is expected to start upfront this evening, reserving Capocannoniere and European Golden Shoe winner Ciro Immobile for the Netherlands match.
“It’s important to have them both in good shape, then we must evaluate their fitness levels and the situation. They are not in a condition right now to play two games in four days, and the situation will probably be the same in October-November with three matches in 10 days,” continued Mancini.
“We also have to look after the players and make sure they don’t get injured.”
This game will be the first for Italy since the lockdown, so also their first behind closed doors.
“I hope the fans can be entertained watching from home and that we can put in a strong performance to pick up where we left off 10 months ago.”