Riccardo Orsolini admits he hopes to ‘convince’ Luciano Spalletti to make him part of the Italy squad for EURO 2024, as he starts in tonight’s friendly against Turkey.
It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The Nazionale will also face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday, before beginning EURO 2024 against Albania on June 15, Spain on June 20 and Croatia on June 24.
“This has been a particularly magical season and this is the icing on the cake. I am truly happy to be back playing in my home, at the Dall’Ara, just a few weeks after the end of the campaign,” Orsolini told Sky Sport Italia.
Bologna secured fifth place in the final Serie A table and qualified for the Champions League, having not even been in Europe for over 20 years.
Spalletti tests out a 4-2-3-1 formation this evening against Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey, though it could mutate to a three-man defence when building out from the back.
“We hope for a great performance and, even if it is a friendly, to play well and give the coach what he is looking for.”
Italy place not guaranteed for Orsolini
Orsolini is one of the players who could still be cut from the squad to reach the final 26 going to Germany for the EURO 2024 tournament.
“I am focused on doing what I do best, trying to show what I can do on the field, to help the team. I know that I have different characteristics to the other individuals up there, so I think and hope that I can have my say.
“The coach will decide, but I hope to convince him to take me to Germany.”