While Luciano Spalletti said his only doubt is between Gianluca Scamacca and Mateo Retegui, there are still quite a few options for Italy against Switzerland.
The EURO 2024 Round of 16 tie kick off on Saturday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
Some changes are forced, as Riccardo Calafiori is suspended and Federico Dimarco injured, but Alessandro Bastoni is expected to start despite suffering from flu symptoms.
The Italy coach already confirmed in his press conference that Gianluca Mancini will step into central defence.
He also said the only doubt in his mind is between Scamacca and Retegui upfront, but that doesn’t mean the reporters are sure who the others will be in the XI.
Matteo Darmian and Andrea Cambiaso are battling for the left-back spot, with the Inter man more defensive and the Juventus player more likely to push forward.
In midfield, Spalletti has dropped hints that Nicolò Fagioli will start, which likely means Bryan Cristante alongside him, sending Jorginho to the bench.
As for upfront, Federico Chiesa was left out of the starting line-up against Croatia, but should return here.
Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia Zaccagni were both tested out in training on the left flank, attacking an area where Switzerland’s defence is particularly vulnerable.
Zaccagni came off the bench to score the decisive equaliser against Croatia, but El Shaarawy is more tactically disciplined, showing with Roma he is happy to track back and work hard for his teammates.
As for Switzerland, former Udinese player Silvan Widmer is suspended on the right and Leonidas Stergiou is tipped to come in to replace him.
Murat Yakin has kept a consistent 3-4-2-1 formation throughout the Euros, but Breel Embolo started the 1-1 draw with Germany, having barely played this season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
Dan Ndoye of Bologna should start, with either Ruben Vargas or Fabian Rieder in support.
There are quite a few Serie A players in the side, including Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, Torino defender Ricardo Rodriguez, Bologna’s Remo Freuler and Michel Aebischer.
Switzerland vs. Italy probable line-ups
Switzerland (3-4-2-1): Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodriguez; Stergiou, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Darmian; Cristante, Fagioli, Barella; Chiesa, Scamacca, El Shaarawy
It’s about time Mancini plays. Why Can’t we have him on with a 3D of Bastoni & Calafiori (when returns against England). He has to play. He’s Italy best defender after Bastoni. He’s Romas best player period including Dybala. Maybe we can put one on net and score from are corner kicks now. He’s an underrated machine. Forza Italia Sempre. Please no Darmian. Good but come on Luciano
Yea not holding out much hope the Swiss are a very good side . To bad Italy this side of the bracket is wide open if they could overcome Swiss and England but don’t see that happening
How will Italy score with these clueless forwards – Chiesa, Scamacca, El Shaarawy? When was the last time any of these guys score a goal… maybe before UEFA was formed. Put Retegui on the field because he is the only forward that score. Why not start Zaccagni now that he is HOT! Italy left behind some quality and experienced players. I think Beradi should have been included but he brough Pellegrin. How is Pellegrini a starter…?
What dream has Spaletti had again and instead of playing in-form Zaccagni who literally saved him and Italy, will deploy …El Sharaawy out of nowhere?! Not to mention Cristante against Swiss midfielders like Xhaka and Freuler. He will lose the midfield! It’s like he is trying to find ways for Italy to not win. He still does experiments as Italy reached knock out stages. He is such a dissapointment!
I agree that would be a tough and solid defence to get past with Mancini, Bastoni and Califiori, then you would have Donnaruma in goal.