Italy could transform their usual 4-3-3 tactics for the World Cup play-offs, as Roberto Mancini confirms Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca ‘could well be our first choice’ centre-forward in March.
The Azzurri must get the better of North Macedonia in Palermo first, then beat either Portugal or Turkey to book a spot at Qatar 2022.
Mancini was given three days to work with a large squad at the Coverciano training ground this week and will focus more on tactical drills to give them more options going forward.
The main problem seen during the final World Cup qualifiers was the lack of goals and the 4-3-3 that won the Euros could be shelved.
“We can evaluate many things, such as playing with two strikers close together and two wingers, these are things we’ll test out over these three days,” said Mancini in his press conference.
“There are players who have different roles at club level and would have no problems adjusting. We need to find the best solution because there will be very few spaces to attack in the opening game with North Macedonia.”
Ciro Immobile has struggled to replicate his Lazio form for Italy, while Torino hitman Andrea Belotti is injured.
Although Mario Balotelli received a call-up, fans are urging Mancio to bet on Sassuolo striker Scamacca.
“We always believed in Scamacca, he has the technical and physical qualities, it all depends on him. He is scoring goals and playing consistently, which is important for a young lad. It’s very possible he could be our first choice centre-forward in March, it’ll depend on everyone’s form at that time.
“I don’t think the system is the most important thing. We must be ready for anything, as we had so many injuries in October and November, so we never know what will happen.”
Roma starlet Nicolò Zaniolo has been playing as a support striker with Tammy Abraham at Roma recently, but might not have that role for Italy.
“I continue to see him as a great attacking box-to-box midfielder, but he has the physique and the shot to play in attack,” explained the coach.
I’d go with the Inter shape, 5 3 2, got the players in their best positions that way…
Donna
Bonucci, Chellini, Bastoni
Calabria, Chiesa
Barella, Jorginho, Verratti or Locatelli
Scamacca, Insigne
Chiesa wont playing wc playoff match on march, he injured. and he got ACL so he wil miss 6-8 months. and he has chance to miss world cup at this point.
Replace chiesa with zaniolo if he himself is not injured by March
I really hope this happens.
@Interello go boil a ball and watch if its done for eating…
LMAO
Meanwhile my comment was up, perfectly normal within topic and clean, now removed.
Not Ballatelli. Kean.