Roberto Mancini’s Italy are looking to rekindle enthusiasm after their World Cup heartbreak with a win against Spain in the semi-finals of the Nations League.
The match between the Azzurri and la Roja kicks off at 19.45 UK time at De Grolsch Veste – the home of FC Twente – in Enschede, the Netherlands.
Italy were part of League A Group 3 in the group stage of the Nations League, drawing England, Germany and Hungary. Despite the difficulty of the group, Mancini’s side did well and scraped a first place finish with three wins, two draws and a single loss to Germany.
The Azzurri are still looking to reignite love for the national team after their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Spain also put on a show in their group stage, being assigned to League A Group 2 alongside Portugal, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. They finished with the same record as Italy, losing just once to Switzerland.
Alessandro Bastoni and Domenico Berardi are unavailable for Italy, whilst Spain cannot count on Pedri and Dani Olmo.
Probable line-ups for Spain vs Italy
Spain (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Jesus Navas, Laporte, Le Normand, Jordi Alba; Rodri, Mikel Merino; Asensio, Gavi, Ansu Fati; Morata.
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Toloi, Acerbi, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Zaniolo, Immobile, Raspadori.
UPDATE: Italy expected to start with a 3-5-2 formation with Leonardo Bonucci in and Giacomo Raspadori out.
Very disappointed Bastoni won’t be playing. I think Bonucci is finished but would rather see him alongside Acerbi than Toloi. As usual I expect us to lose, Mancini has lost the plot since the euros. The sooner he goes the better now.
I’d like to see Mancini play a game with Casale and Romagnoli. And a game with Bastoni and Buongiorno together. I doubt this will happen.
What a poor team, Toloi at CB is asking for trouble and Immobile is useless and should not be picked! Get Chiesa in the team and play raspa or Retegui upfront!!! Di Marco? This nations league is a waste of time if not taken seriously.