Italy test an all-new 4-3-3 formation in tonight’s friendly with San Marino with Alessandro Diamanti and Giacomo Bonaventura.
The warm-up is to help prepare for next week’s World Cup qualifier in the Czech Republic and the Confederations Cup in Brazil from June 15-30.
Italy test an all-new 4-3-3 formation in tonight’s friendly with San Marino with Alessandro Diamanti and Giacomo Bonaventura.
The warm-up is to help prepare for next week’s World Cup qualifier in the Czech Republic and the Confederations Cup in Brazil from June 15-30.
This game kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna, which is a stone’s throw away from San Marino.
Mario Balotelli, Stephan El Shaarawy, Riccardo Montolivo and Andrea Barzagli are all out injured, while Pablo Daniel Osvaldo was dropped due to disciplinary matters, so Cesare Prandelli adopts a revamped side.
As the game is in Bologna, he gives starting spots to local stars Diamanti and Alberto Gilardino.
Atalanta” data-scaytid=”17″>Atalanta talent Bonaventura joins them on the left side of an all-new trident attack, while Alberto Aquilani and Andrea Poli are given spots with Andrea Pirlo in midfield.
Genoa's Luca Antonelli and Torino centre-back Angelo Ogbonna start in defence with Christian Maggio used as a right-back.
There is pressure to impress, as on Monday Prandelli must whittle down his 30-man squad to the final list of 23 for the Confederations Cup.
Italy: Buffon; Maggio, Ranocchia, Ogbonna, Antonelli; Poli, Pirlo, Aquilani; Diamanti, Gilardino, Bonaventura
San Marino: A Simoncini; Rinaldi, Della Valle, D Simoncini, F Vitaioli; Cervellini, Bollini; Coppini, M Vitaioli, Gasperoni; Selva