A pivotal victory over Ukraine last month allowed Italy to breathe a sigh of relief amid their bid to qualify for Euro 2024.
The Azzurri are once again struggling through a qualifying campaign have failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but their triumph over Ukraine has left them in a pretty strong position in Group C. They sit level on points with Ukraine and North Macedonia, but do have a game in-hand on their rivals.
Luciano Spalletti’s side will be looking to take advantage on Saturday when they face bottom-of-the-table Malta in Bari ahead of next Tuesday’s trip to England.
Italy’s upcoming game is a good opportunity for Spalletti to give some of his fringe squad members minutes, and here’s how the Azzurri could line up for Malta’s visit.
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – Gianluigi Donnarumma remains Italy’s number one, but Spalletti could hand a chance to one of his deputies on Saturday. Vicario, after starring in Serie A last season, has enjoyed a fine start to life at Tottenham.
RB: Giovanni Di Lorenzo – While the boss could rotate in several positions, it’s unlikely he’ll drop his captain for this qualifier.
CB: Gianluca Mancini – There are five centre-back options to choose from, and we should see Mancini or Francesco Acerbi get the nod at RCB. Spalletti might favour Acerbi’s nous against England.
CB: Alessandro Bastoni – The Inter defender has somewhat drifted away from mainstream prominence in recent years, but he continues to impress in Serie A for the Nerazzurri and he should start both games this month.
LB: Federico Dimarco – Dimarco is quickly establishing himself as one of the best left-backs in the game. While he stars for Inter in an advanced wing-back position, he has history of playing as the left-sided defender in a back three and is more than comfortable in a back four.
CM: Bryan Cristante – The Roma man will be the stabilising force in Italy’s midfield on Saturday.
CM: Davide Frattesi – While Inter’s stacked midfield means he’s currently finding it hard to get a game in Serie A, Frattesi has emerged as the Azzurri’s new hero.
CM: Nicolo Barella – Similar in profile to Frattesi, Italy are now blessed with a pair of #8s that excel when crashing the opposition’s box. Barella has eight goals in 47 caps for the national team.
RW: Domenico Berardi – Sassuolo’s loyal servant played an underrated role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. He continues to marvel for the Neroverdi and should garner plenty of minutes for the Azzurri this month.
ST: Gianluca Scamacca – Ciro Immobile’s absence from the squad should open the door for Scamacca to earn a couple of starts during the October break.
LW: Mattia Zaccagni – Dimarco’s marauding runs from left-back should work in harmony with Zaccagni, who likes to drift infield and create from more central positions.
READ THE LATEST EURO 2024 NEWS, PREVIEWS & PLAYER RATINGS
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
90Mins
