Giacomo Raspadori says he will take ‘a different approach’ to the 3-4-2-1 formation Italy are testing against Ecuador and welcomes the pressure of competing for a place.
It kicks off at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey at 20.00 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
It is a completely different starting XI to the side that beat Venezuela 2-1 in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, where Mateo Retegui scored both goals.
“We must try to be clinical, do more of what we practiced in training and be aware we are up against tough opponents,” Raspadori told RAI Sport.
The Napoli striker, who is usually played in a wider role rather than as a centre-forward, is competing with Genoa hitman Retegui for the chance to be first choice at Euro 2024, not to mention Lazio veteran Ciro Immobile and Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca.
“I think it is stimulating for everyone, as wearing this jersey is the ultimate you can dream of as a football player. We all know there is a great responsibility in representing the Nazionale and we are all ready to give our all.”
Because Raspadori is very versatile, he is often used in different attacking positions, but has always maintained he sees himself as a centre-forward.
“I interpret it in my own way. We all have our own characteristics, we are trying something new and want to use our qualities together to bring a different approach.”
This is the second match under Spalletti to test out the 3-4-2-1 formation.