Italy: Mancini’s Tactical Revolution—A Veteran Azzurri Player Moved Up Front

Following their convincing victory over France, Roberto Mancini’s Italy is preparing for their away match in Brussels, where the Azzurri will face Belgium on Sunday evening in a crucial match for their Nations League campaign. The head coach is exploring some tactical options to reshuffle the lineup, especially given Davide Frattesi’s absence.

The midfielder has, in fact, left the national team’s training camp due to a muscle strain. It’s nothing particularly serious, but the player will not be available for Sunday’s match. The goal is to have him back in time for the league match between Lazio and Lecce, scheduled for November 21.

The most interesting development to emerge from training concerns Federico Dimarco. The Inter winger was tried out in a more advanced position, playing as a left winger. This is a solution Mancini had already considered during the squad selection phase, and it would allow the team to capitalize on the Nerazzurri player’s offensive qualities and ability to provide assists, without having to forgo Riccardo Calafiori on the left defensive flank.

Otherwise, the plan is to stick with most of the starting lineup that faced France at San Siro. On the right side of the defense, the race is on between Palestra and Kayode, while in midfield, to replace Frattesi, Doumbia currently appears to be the favorite over Fagioli.

Up front, Pio Esposito is expected to start in the center, while the players on the wings remain to be determined. Dimarco could therefore start further forward on the left, while Cambiaghi, who left the match against France in pain, will be evaluated in the coming hours. If he makes a full recovery, he has a good chance of being selected.