Italy predicted lineup vs Belgium - Nations League
By Buez Hadgu
Italy face Belgium in the Nations League third-place playoff, as the Azzurri look to make a return to winning ways.
Having lost to Spain at San Siro, they'll be hoping to make use of the home advantage in Turin to slightly better effect this weekend. It hasn't been long since the last meeting between these two nations, with Italy just edging the Euro 2020 quarter-final 2-1.
With Leonardo Bonucci unavailable after his dismissal and no recognised striker being selected in the starting XI vs Spain, Roberto Mancini is expected to make some changes to his side.
Italy predicted lineup vs Belgium - Nations League
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK)- The Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament will have the difficult task of preventing Romelu Lukaku from getting on the scoresheet.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (RB) - Probably the weakest position in this Italy team, Di Lorenzo will make the cut.
Alessandro Bastoni (CB) - Mancini will look to give the young Inter star more experience in these big matches.
Giorgio Chiellini (CB) - Veteran defender Chiellini returns to the XI in place of the suspended Bonucci.
Emerson Palmieri (LB) - With Spinazzola still out of the squad due a serious injury suffered at the Euros, Emerson will continue to deputise at left-back.
2. Midfielders
Marco Verratti (CM) - Having impressed recently in the Champions League vs Manchester City, he'll be looking to keep up his good form since his return from injury.
Jorginho (CM) - The Chelsea midfielder will be crucial to winning the midfield battle.
Lorenzo Pellegrini (CM) - Coming off the bench to score always strengthens your bid to start in the next game, and Pellegrini's impressive performances for Roma this season certainly help his chances of starting this game too.
3. Forwards
Domenico Berardi (RW) - With Lorenzo Insigne perhaps due a rest, this clash could provide Berardi with an opportunity to stake his claim for a regular place in the side.
Moise Kean (ST) - Having been left out of the Euro 2020 squad and left on the bench for the clash with Spain - despite no recognised striker being named in the XI - Kean will be desperate to prove his worth to Mancini.
Federico Chiesa (LW) - The electric forward enjoyed a stellar Euro 2020 campaign and despite Juventus' tough start to the season, Chiesa remains one of the first names on the Italy teamsheet.