Fernando Santos warned not to expect “too many changes” as Portugal host Italy in the Nations League. “They want to ‘avenge’ the World Cup failure.”
It kicks off in Lisbon on Monday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
While Italy played a 1-1 draw with Poland on Friday, Portugal were in an identical result for their friendly match with Croatia on Thursday.
Fernando Santos warned not to expect “too many changes” as Portugal host Italy in the Nations League. “They want to ‘avenge’ the World Cup failure.”
It kicks off in Lisbon on Monday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
While Italy played a 1-1 draw with Poland on Friday, Portugal were in an identical result for their friendly match with Croatia on Thursday.
“Clearly these are different games, albeit against two great nations, as Croatia are the runners-up in the World Cup and Italy have won the trophy four times,” said Coach Santos in his Press conference.
“It’s true also that Croatia was a friendly, whereas with Italy we are playing for the three points and I hope my team can hit that level required.
“We need to improve, but the players have a lot of confidence, quality and are working hard, so I expect a great performance. At the same time, we know the quality of the Italy side and that they have this strong motivation to ‘avenge’ their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup by showing what they can do.
“I was impressed with Jorginho and their overall collective. After Mario Balotelli went off, they changed their style of play a little in the Poland game and we’ll have to focus more on how they approach it rather than the individuals.
“Hopefully, we can use the home advantage and crowd atmosphere to give us the edge.”
Raphael Guerreiro missed the Croatia game through injury and has now pulled out of the squad entirely.
Portugal are expected to start Juventus full-back Joao Cancelo and Mario Rui of Napoli, while Milan-owned striker Andre Silva can lead the trident with Bernardo Silva and Rony Lopes.
“I was interested in the dynamics of the team and I would say don’t expect too many changes to the XI…”
The only expected adjustment from the side that drew with Croatia is Rony Lopes rather than Bruma.
Cristiano Ronaldo has stayed behind in Turin to focus on training and finding his form in the new Juventus environment. He is yet to score in Serie A, but Santos is not concerned.
“Wait a little and you’ll see how many goals Ronaldo scores.”
Probable line-ups
Portugal (4-3-3): Patricio; Cancelo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Mario Rui; Pizzi, Ruben Neves, William; Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva, Rony Lopes
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Zappacosta, Bonucci, Chiellini, Criscito; Bonaventura, Jorginho, Gagliardini; Bernardeschi, Belotti, Chiesa
Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Beto (Goztepe), Claudio Ramos (Tondela), Rui Patricio (Wolves)
Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Juventus), Ruben Dias (Benfica), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Pedro Mendes (Montpellier), Luis Neto (Zenit), Pepe (Besiktas), Mario Rui (Napoli), Cedric Soares (Southampton)
Midfielders: William Carvalho (Real Betis), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting CP), Gedson Fernandes (Benfica), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Sergio Oliveira (Porto), Pizzi (Benfica), Renato Sanches (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Bruma (RB Leipzig), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Rony Lopes (Monaco), Gelson Martins (Atletico Madrid), Andre Silva (Sevilla), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)