(PRIMASPORT) BOLOGNA Roberto Mancini has made further changes to Italy's lineup ahead of the Nations League match against Turkey, scheduled for Monday, October 6th at the Dall'Ara in Bologna. After a convincing 4-1 away win against Turkey and a 1-1 draw in Saint-Denis against France, the Azzurri are looking for consistency to catch or overtake Belgium in the standings and reach the quarterfinals of the competition.
Currently third in Group 1 with 4 points, behind France (7) and Belgium (6), the Azzurri are aiming to get the three points to keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals and avoiding the League A play-offs. To best manage their energy, Mancini will operate large rotations, confirming Gigio Donnarumma between the posts and Michael Kayode as right-back after the good performances in recent outings.
In defense, Giorgio Mancini, favored over Scalvini, is expected to return to the center alongside Bastoni, while Ruggeri could rest Calafiori on the left. In midfield, Barella is expected to start again as a right midfielder, with Tonali likely to be spared and Romano filling in as a deep-lying midfielder. Issa Doumbia could start on the left-center position, winning the playoff with Fagioli.
The attacking trio will feature Scamacca as center forward, favored over Kean, who is still struggling with injury issues, with Cambiaghi and Vergara as attacking wingers, both making their first starts for Italy. The Esposito brothers, however, are scheduled for rest, while Maldini is eager for his chance from the start.
Italy's probable lineup (4-3-3) is therefore: Donnarumma; Kayode, G. Mancini, Bastoni, Ruggeri; Barella, Romano, Doumbia; Vergara, Scamacca, Cambiaghi.
On the Turkish front, former Italian coach Vincenzo Montella is going through a difficult period, with fans and the press calling for his dismissal. Montella will have to contend with several key absences, including Calhanoglu, Yildiz, Arda Guler, and the suspended striker Yilmaz, thus altering the attacking lineup ahead of the decisive match. (PRIMASPORT)
