Italy are expected to start Federico Chiesa, Andrea Belotti and Federico Bernardeschi, with Alessio Romagnoli in defence, but the doubt against Armenia is in midfield.
The Euro 2020 qualifier kicks off in Yereven on Thursday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
Coach Roberto Mancini has been forced to reshuffle after losing several players to injury, including Giorgio Chiellini, Lorenzo Insigne, Leonardo Spinazzola, Bryan Cristante and Mattia De Sciglio, while Moise Kean and Nicolò Zaniolo are dropped to the Under-21 squad as punishment for tardiness.
Italy are expected to start Federico Chiesa, Andrea Belotti and Federico Bernardeschi, with Alessio Romagnoli in defence, but the doubt against Armenia is in midfield.
The Euro 2020 qualifier kicks off in Yereven on Thursday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
Coach Roberto Mancini has been forced to reshuffle after losing several players to injury, including Giorgio Chiellini, Lorenzo Insigne, Leonardo Spinazzola, Bryan Cristante and Mattia De Sciglio, while Moise Kean and Nicolò Zaniolo are dropped to the Under-21 squad as punishment for tardiness.
Milan centre-back Romagnoli already played with Leonardo Bonucci for a year at Milan, so is the natural choice to step in for Chiellini.
Emerson Palmieri’s good form for Chelsea should see him play at left-back, with Alessandro Florenzi on the right.
Belotti is favourite ahead of Ciro Immobile to lead the attack, because Torino have already played several competitive games with an early start in the Europa League qualifiers.
He’ll likely be flanked by Chiesa and Bernardeschi, even if the Juventus man has struggled for playing time lately.
Mancini said in his Press conference that he had chosen 10 of the starting XI, with “one doubt” remaining.
It’s widely believed that is Stefano Sensi, whose excellent performances for Inter make him likely to push new Nerazzurri teammate Nicolò Barella on to the bench here as well.
Chelsea’s Jorginho and PSG star Marco Verratti complete the line-up.
Italy (4-3-3): G Donnarumma; Florenzi, Romagnoli, Bonucci, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Bernardeschi, Belotti, Chiesa