As the international break is back underway, the Italian National Team return to action. Quarter Final action in the Nations League makes up the Thursday night clash with Germany. Here is the Italy predicted lineup as Luciano Spalletti’s Blues host Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany.
Italy Predicted Lineup vs Germany
The Nations League So Far
Despite, a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, Gil Azzurri (the Blues) have bounced back so far in their Nations League campaign. Spalletti’s side finished second in Group Two, with France in first due to goal difference. The side looked improved since the summer’s miseries, with a 3-1 win away at the Parc des Princes certainly being the highlight.
Four wins were picked up in the group stages, which is respectable given their group of France, Belgium and Israel. The top goalscorer in the group stage was Inter’s Davide Frattesi, who despite making just five league starts is shining for the National team. His three goals proved decisive as he opened the scoring versus Israel and gave Italy the lead against France.
Read More: Italy’s Predicted Lineup From Euro 2024
Aside from Frattesi, his Inter teammate Federico Dimarco has also been impressive so far. In his natural left-wing back role, Dimarco has been pivotal in forward areas as shown by his four goal contributions. As expected, the Blues are also defensively solid, with the likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Buongiorno and Giovanni Di Lorenzo being at the heart of the backline.
Changes To The Squad Since
Starman Dimarco is set to miss out on the crucial ties due to a muscle injury. The wing-back offers so much both going forward and defensively, but also with the way he can combine with the club teammates Bastoni and Nicolo Barella. He will be greatly missed but the return of Destiny Udogie will also be welcomed.
Read More: What We Learnt From Italy’s Group Stage Performances From The Euros
Ricardo Calafiori also returns to the side after missing the last camp. His presence will also be appreciated after his spectacular performances in the Euros. Outside of this, there have also been some other figures returning to the team after missing out in November. Mattia Zaccagni, Matteo Politano and Lorenzo Lucca all join the set-up having been in and around the previous camps.
Meanwhile, Torino’s Cesare Casadei and Atalanta’s Matteo Ruggeri join Spalletti’s squad for the first time having been with the under-21s previously.
Any Injuries To Consider
Despite being chosen, Atalanta’s talisman Mateo Retegui has been removed from the squad due to injury. The striker has been in spectacular form this season with 22 goals in the league, which has helped Gian Piero Gasperini’s side up to third. Due to his major influence not only for his club but also his nation, Retegui will be a huge miss. Despite this, he has been replaced by teammate Raoul Bellanova, who is a right wing-back with six assists this season.
Read More: Three Italy Players To Watch Out For At Euro 2024
To add to this, Andrea Cambiaso and Zaccagni could also be a doubt for the first leg. Spalletti when asked if they would only be fit to play the second game said “There’s that risk.” Cambiaso has been a hugely important figure in the system recently given his versatility, and ability to play on both the left and right flanks.
Italy Predicted Lineup : Change To Be Expected?
Gianluigi Donnarumma is likely to start in between the sticks after a tremendous performance at Anfield in the Champions League. He also started four of the six groups stage games, whilst Guglielmo Vicario featured twice. A back five is expected to be utilised with Napoli regulars Buongiorno and Di Lorenzo likely to feature. Bastoni is also the likely choice on the left of the three, but the likes of Calafiori or Pietro Comuzzo could also be in contention.
With Cambiaso potentially being sidelined, Bellanova would be the likely choice off the right. Meanwhile, on the opposite flank, Tottenham Hotspur talent Udogie could be the replacement to Dimarco. A midfield three has been preferred in the group stages as Frattesi and Carabao cup winner Sandro Tonali started every game. As for the other option, Samuele Ricci and Nicollo Rovella could be competing for the position as their coach said to the media “I won’t tell you who’s playing—you’d better wait for training” after being asked about the duo.
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In front of them, the consistently brilliant Barella is likely to be chosen. This is despite, competition from Giacomo Raspadori, Casadei and others. Then leading the line is set to be Moise Kean, after the injury to Retegui. Fiorentina’s forward has found his new home this season as he has found the net on 20 occasions.
Italy Predicted Lineup vs Germany
GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma
RWB – Raoul Bellanova
RCB – Giovanni Di Lorenzo
CCB – Alessandro Buongiorno
LCB – Alessandro Bastoni
LWB – Destiny Udogie
RCM – Sandro Tonali
CM – Nicollo Rovella
LCM – Davide Frattesi
AM – Nicolo Barella
ST – Moise Kean
