Italy Under-21 coach Paolo Nicolato expects the Republic of Ireland to play ‘rough’ and warns it is ‘impossible to replace’ Sandro Tonali.
It kicks off on Friday at 17.30 GMT at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.
The Azzurrini have 10 points from four games, behind Sweden on 11 points from five matches, while the Republic of Ireland have seven points after four games.
“We have a clear idea of the way Ireland play, they are a competitive squad, with great intensity, capable of playing rough and that’s clearly not our preference, we like to play with more quality, but I’m not sure we’ll be able to in this situation,” said coach Nicolato.
“It’s more of a delicate fixture for Ireland than for us. If they don’t get a positive result, then that’s probably it for their qualification hopes. I expect the kind of determination that will cause us problems.”
Italy are forced into changes by the needs of the senior squad, who poached Milan midfielder Tonali for their World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Northern Ireland.
“Tonali is impossible to replace, so if anything we’ll try to work and develop other dynamics to make up for his absence.
“We mustn’t think that this is penalising, as we need to see this as an opportunity to see other players in action. Naturally, we cannot expect them to be immediately at the same level as Tonali.”
Riccardo Calafiori or Roma and Udinese’s Destiny Udogie both pulled out through injury, but Pisa striker Lorenzo Lucca will again lead the way.
Italia U21, Nicolato: “Per l’Irlanda sfida più delicata. Tonali? Impossibile sostituirlo” https://t.co/ViNOfKPX3L
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) November 11, 2021