Luciano Spalletti confirms that he is not likely to make many changes to his starting XI when Italy host Israel in Udine for the fourth round of Nations League fixtures on Monday evening, while also clarifying his comments about peace in the Middle East.
Italy vs Israel will kick-off at 19.45 BST on Monday evening. You can follow all the action as it unfolds on the Football Italia Liveblog. Join us for all the pre-match build-up and post-match reactions.
Spalletti spoke to Rai ahead of the test in a difficult atmosphere in Udine.
He began by expressing his solidarity with the UN Peacekeepers currently engaged in Lebanon.
“I would like to express our solidarity with the soldiers present in the area, to our Italian guys who have been engaged in this very difficult peace mission,” the CT said.
He also took a moment to clarify his previous comments about hoping for peace in the Middle East.
“I don’t think I said anything in particular, there are always some who find it convenient to pick holes in something they hear. Everyone wants to find the angle they want. When we’re talking about peace, I think it’s fair for anybody to say that.”
Spalletti confirms minimal changes for Italy vs Israel
Though Italy have already had to face France and Belgium, he believes that the home game against Israel will be his side’s toughest test of the Nations League campaign so far.
“It’s the most important game of our group. I think that because I live off feelings. We have taken the right path so far, but when I hear people talk about ability, I say that ability comes from knowledge. If you don’t have knowledge, the game can end up surprising you.”
He is pleased, however, that Italy’s last game took place on Thursday, which has given the team plenty of recovery time ahead of the Israel clash.
“Having an extra day to recover puts us in a position where we’re actually ready. I saw the attitude I wanted to see on the guys’ faces after the Belgium match.”
He also explained why he is not likely to make many changes to his line-up. Guglielmo Vicario has been confirmed as a starter in goal, while there will be an enforced change in attack after Lorenzo Pellegrini’s red card against Belgium.
“I won’t change much because they’ve all recovered. We need balance and I’ll trust the same players again, even if those who have played less are also showing that they can be in the starting XI.”
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