Roberto Mancini’s first Italy squad is expected to include Mario Balotelli, Federico Chiesa, Jorginho, Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Criscito.
The Coach was presented to the media today, having signed a contract to June 2020, with option to extend to 2022 if he qualifies for the European Championships.
Mancio will make his Azzurri debut with a series of friendlies against the UAE on May 28, France on June 1 and the Netherlands on June 4.
Roberto Mancini’s first Italy squad is expected to include Mario Balotelli, Federico Chiesa, Jorginho, Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Criscito.
The Coach was presented to the media today, having signed a contract to June 2020, with option to extend to 2022 if he qualifies for the European Championships.
Mancio will make his Azzurri debut with a series of friendlies against the UAE on May 28, France on June 1 and the Netherlands on June 4.
According to Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium, among others, he is still deciding between a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
After Gigi Buffon’s retirement, the gloves will be handed to Milan’s teenage goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma rather than Mattia Perin.
Criscito and Balotelli should get recalls after being ignored by Antonio Conte and Giampiero Ventura over the last few years.
Finding a space for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti could be tricky, especially in a 4-2-3-1, as Jorginho of Napoli is considered more reliable.
Even then, Daniele De Rossi and Lorenzo Pellegrini could come in to provide more grit, with Federico Bernardeschi in the trequartista role.
Fiorentina winger Chiesa and Napoli talent Insigne provide much-needed width and service for the centre-forward.
Mancini’s Italy (probable 4-3-3): Donnarumma; Zappacosta, Bonucci, Romagnoli, Criscito; Pellegrini, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Balotelli, Insigne
Mancini’s Italy (probable 4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Florenzi, Bonucci, Romagnoli, Criscito; Pellegrini, De Rossi; Chiesa, Bernardeschi, Insigne; Balotelli