How Italy Should Lineup Against Moldova

These are exciting times for supporters of the Italian national side. Gli Azzurri are slowly building one of the most adventurous and youthful international teams on the scene, and with coach Roberto Mancini at the helm, they are going from strength to strength.

Italy showed their class in the last set of international fixtures, beating the Netherlands by a goal to nil, and demonstrating that steel and poise with which we often associate the four-time World Cup winners.

Mancini's men face Moldova in a friendly on Wednesday evening, before taking on Poland and the Netherlands again in the Nations League. With three games in such a short space of time, rotation is a distinct possibility, and Italy's coach may use the Moldova clash as a chance to experiment.

But who should he pick? 90min takes a look at the starting XI Mancini could select for Wednesday's exhibition game.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) - There may be a lot of rotation ahead in this Italy team, but consistency between the sticks is key. Donnarumma has made a solid start to the new season with AC Milan, and confidence is flowing through the young shot-stopper.

Alessandro Florenzi (RB) - The 29-year-old has struggled for fitness and form in recent years, and his international career looked in tatters. But a renaissance at Paris Saint-Germain could see him recapture his love for the game.

Angelo Ogbonna (CB) - Drafted in after a long absence, Ogbonna is a surprise inclusion in the Italy squad. Mancini will know this is as good a chance as any to give him a run out and see what he can do.

Francesco Acerbi (CB) - After accidentally taking Giorgio Chiellini's place in the side due to a clerical error in the last round of international fixtures, Acerbi could be in line to show his worth in this less-decisive clash.

Cristiano Biraghi (LB) - Very much a backup to the incredibly in-form Leonardo Spinazzola, Biraghi could get some minutes in his legs against Moldova.

Midfielders

Manuel Locatelli (CM) - The Sassuolo man was the standout performer on his international debut against the Netherlands in September, and he will be desperate to add to his one cap on Wednesday.

Jorginho (CM) - He may not get the recognition and praise he deserves in England, but Jorginho is still a vital player in this Italy side. The Chelsea man keeps the game moving and dictates its pace, making him a valuable asset to Mancini.

Lorenzo Pellegrini (CM) - The AS Roma star can blow hot and cold at times, but he has the talent and ability to become a regular in this team. There is some serious competition in his path, but he could be handed the chance to shine against Moldova.

Forwards

Domenico Berardi (RW) - If we're picking players on form, then Berardi deserves a crack at international football again. The Sassuolo star is thriving in this dynamic Neroverdi side, and he could finally be unlocking his enormous potential.

Federico Chiesa LW) - Narrowly ahead of Francesco Caputo comes Federico Chiesa. Mancini is a big fan of the young winger, and now with the might of Juventus behind him, he's only going to get better and more clinical. Watch this space.

Ciro Immobile (ST) - Admittedly, Mancini may be tempted to give youth a chance, and it's easy to see why. But Immobile's international career is stalling, and he needs a pick-me-up going into the Nations League clashes. Give him a confidence-boosting hat-trick, Moldova.