Italy tactical advisor: ‘Tonali more creative role at Tottenham’

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 25: Sandro Tonali of Italy compete for the ball with Dodi Lukebakio during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

Roberto Mancini’s Italy tactical advisor Antonio Gagliardi explains some of the eight changes for Turkiye. ‘Sandro Tonali already has a more constructive position at Tottenham.’

It kicks off at the Ataturk Spor Kompleski Matli Stadyumu in Bursa at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

This represents a head-to-head at the foot of Nations League Group A, as both teams started the tournament with home defeats.

The Azzurri lost 2-0 to Belgium, while Vincenzo Montella’s Turkiye were narrowly beaten 1-0 by France.

Italy transform for Turkiye

“The coach wants an attacking team, so we need balance in the two phases, but the principles remain the same. It is a team that wants to control the game with pressing and possession,” Gagliardi told Sky Sport Italia.

This team is completely transformed with eight changes, including the return of Alessandro Bastoni from suspension, plus the senior debuts of Michael Kayode and Matteo Ruggeri.

Intriguingly, the Esposito brothers Sebastiano and Pio start together upfront, with Giacomo Raspadori completing the trident attack.

“Seba is a talented player, one of the young players the coach is evaluating to see if and how he can have a role in the future of this Nazionale. He can play wide or more centrally, you will discover where as the game goes on.”

Nicolò Fagioli returns to the starting XI for Italy after 714 days, since the 4-1 win over Israel in October 2024, but Tonali looks to be the playmaker tonight.

“Sandro is another player who can take on several different roles, he is already taking a more constructive position at Tottenham. Clearly, his qualities are also as a box to box midfielder who can follow the moves and shoot. He will have a more creative role today along with Fagioli, allowing Frattesi those forward runs that the coach wants to see.”

Gagliardi was asked how Italy have changed and learned the lessons of the dismal first half against Belgium, considering they have barely been able to train since Friday.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t had many training sessions, as the calendar is very tight. I think with video sessions we can make sure the team is well-prepared. We analysed the first half against Belgium, but we had already made corrections at half-time and saw a very different Italy after the break.”