Mancini’s first Italy side takes shape for Belgium test
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 24: Nicolo Zaniolo of Italy stands before the first half of the Ecuador v Italy - International Friendly at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini’s starting XI for Italy’s Nations League opener against Belgium is taking shape, with Francesco Pio Esposito, Nicolò Zaniolo and Daniel Maldini expected upfront.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
The group is completed by France and Turkiye, who will face off in the other match that day.
Italy start new era under Mancini
Mancini intends to adopt a 4-3-3 formation and some choices are foisted upon him, because Federico Dimarco, Bryan Cristante and Marco Palestra were ruled out by injury, while Alessandro Bastoni is suspended.
Inter striker Pio Esposito continues to be considered the favourite ahead of Moise Kean to lead the attack, but there are quite a few alternatives to complete the trident.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, Zaniolo on the right and Maldini for the left would seem to be the most likely options, instead of Nicolò Cambiaghi and Giacomo Raspadori.
It’s a big step for Zaniolo, who wasn’t even called up by the Nazionale for two years.
The midfield would appear to be locked down, with Alessandro Romano getting his Italy debut instead of Samuele Ricci, surrounded by the old guard of Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali.
Riccardo Calafiori can finally follow in his Arsenal footsteps by playing as a left-back and not central defence, with Gianluca Mancini also guaranteed.
The only doubts remaining are between Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Michael Kayode at right-back, with the Napoli veteran decidedly the favourite, and in the centre much will depend on Giorgio Scalvini’s fitness.
If the Atalanta centre-back isn’t ready, then Diego Coppola could step in.
Italy probable (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Scalvini, Calafiori; Barella, Romano, Tonali; Zaniolo, Pio Esposito, Maldini
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