Italy return to action in Florence against Bulgaria in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.
It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 20.45 local time, 19.45 in the UK.
Roberto Mancini’s side takes to the pitch for the first time since the UEFA Euro 2020 Final in Wembley, which ended with the Azzurri lifting the trophy after beating England on penalties.
Gigio Donnarumma starts his first official game of the season. He was an unused substitute in PSG’s opening two games of the season.
Roberto Mancini hasn’t rotated his squad much, but captain Giorgio Chiellini has to start on the bench as he isn’t 100 per cent fit yet.
Italy have won all their opening three games in Group C, while Bulgaria have only managed one.
Only the first ranked of each group have a granted spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Switzerland seem to be the most credible rival for the Azzurri with six points in two games.
Italy and Switzerland meet on Sunday at Basel’s St. Jakob-Park.
This is a danger game…. hangover after winning the Euro’s? No time for complacency at all ! I remember after the 2006 win, there were some not-so-pretty losses (3-1 to France in a QF too I think)
Come on boys – show everyone who doubted the win, it can continue! Bulgaria will have nothing to lose !
They dominate possession and shots on goal, yet end with a tie…to a team with a -4 goal differential. I’m not getting that warm and fuzzy feeling for the showdown with Switzerland on Sunday.