New-look defence to continue - How Italy could line-up again

11:21am on Wednesday 18th November 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Italy will once again be without senior defenders Alessio Romagnoli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini for their Nations League fixture against Bosnia on Wednesday.

In this round of International matches, Alessandro Bastoni has stepped up from the u21s to feature in both games against Estonia and Poland, helping his country to record two clean sheets in a row.

They defeated Estonia 4-0 before the Poles were beaten 2-0 on Sunday.

It is a lot to ask of Bastoni to play three in a row, but Italy can secure a place in the Nations League finals with a win, so don't expect Roberto Mancini to tinker with a recently winning formula.

Vincenzo Grifo and Moise Kean have returned to their clubs after picking up injuries while on International duty, which could simplify attacking selections for Mancini.

Manuel Locatelli started the last game against Poland and impressed with a 7.9 FC Rating, but could be rested for this one with Sandro Tonali given an opportunity from the start.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo recorded an assist against Estonia only to be dropped to the bench for the Poland game, but could be restored at right-back at the expense of Alessandro Florenzi.

Ciro Immobile is not currently with the squad after previously testing positive for coronavirus.