The Italian national team have confirmed the squad numbers for the players set to be part of the travelling squad to take on Malta in the second game of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
With a maximum of 23 players allowed to be named in the matchday squad according to UEFA regulations, a number of the players originally called up by Roberto Mancini will have to sit this one out.
After the 2-1 loss against England in Naples on Thursday evening, it was announced that both Leonardo Bonucci and Nicolo Barella would return to their respective club sides amidst concerns over their match fitness.
Lecce’s Wladimiro Falcone will not be involved with the squad on Sunday evening, with Gianluigi Donarrumma expected to start in goal and Alex Meret and Marco Carnesecchi lined up as substitutes.
23-year-old Torino defender Alessandro Boungiorno will also miss out on the game against Malta, despite reports that Mancini will rotate all of the back four who started against England.
Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini was not included in the released set of squad numbers, indicating that he will also return to his club earlier than expected.
Of the attacking options, the squad’s surprise inclusion, 17-year-old Udinese forward Simone Pafundi will also have to wait for his next Azzurri cap and will also not be involved in Ta’ Qali.
However, fellow teenager and Leeds United sensation Wilfried Gnonto is expected to start for Italy in the front three for the first time this year.
Kick off for the second European qualifier will be at 19.45 GMT.
Italy squad numbers: Goalkeepers: 1 Donnarumma, 21 Carnesecchi, 22 Meret
Defenders: 2 Di Lorenzo, 3 Toloi, 4 Spinazzola, 5 Darmian, 13 Emerson, 14 Scalvini, 15 Acerbi, 23 Romagnoli
Midfielders: 6 Verratti, 8 Jorginho, 12 Pessina, 16 Cristante, 18 Frattesi, 20 Tonali
Forwards: 7 Grifo, 9 Scamacca, 10 Gnonto, 11 Berardi, 17 Politano, 19 Retegui