FLORENCE, ITALY – JUNE 14: Leonardo Spinazzola of Italy warms up during a training session ahead of the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 at Centro Tecnico di Coverciano on June 14, 2023. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Gennaro Gattuso is facing uncertainties as Italy prepares for their World Cup qualifier against Estonia, particularly in the wing and midfield positions.
The match will take place in Tallinn on Saturday at 19:45 UK time (18:45 GMT).
Due to injuries, the Azzurri have had to make adjustments, with Matteo Politano from Napoli and Lazio’s Mattia Zaccagni withdrawing from the squad. Both players were part of the team that secured a 5-0 victory over Estonia in September.
This situation allows for two distinctive strategies on the wings, which could lead to either a 4-4-2 or a more flexible 4-2-3-1 formation.
Gattuso Keeps Italy and Estonia Guessing
According to sources like Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset, the main uncertainties lie within those positions, with Leonardo Spinazzola potentially taking the right side and Andrea Cambiaso on the left for a more defensive setup.
The more aggressive option could see Giacomo Raspadori and Nicolò Cambiaghi occupy the wide roles, or perhaps Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini.
Another potential change could introduce an additional central midfielder, with Bryan Cristante and Manuel Locatelli eager to get involved.
The remainder of the starting lineup seems to be pretty definite, including Riccardo Calafiori in central defense, with Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean leading the attack.
Italy probable lineup (4-4-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Spinazzola, Tonali, Barella, Cambiaso; Kean, Retegui