Get ready for a thrilling tactical shift as Italy gears up for their final Group I clash against Norway! The Azzurri's journey to the World Cup play-offs is about to take an unexpected turn.
In a bold move, Italy's manager, Gennaro Gattuso, is set to revamp his team's formation, opting for the 3-5-2 strategy. This decision comes as a surprise, especially considering their recent 2-0 victory over Moldova using a different setup. But here's the twist: Gattuso aims to rest key players like Sandro Tonali to ensure they're fresh for the crucial World Cup play-off semi-final in 2026.
And this is where it gets controversial... Norway's impressive goal difference means Italy would need an extraordinary 9-0 win to secure the top spot. It's a tall order, but Gattuso's tactical switch could be the game-changer.
The big question mark hangs over Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori, who's nursing a hip injury and hasn't fully trained yet. If he's ruled out, Francesco Pio Esposito, fresh from his Chisinau goal, could step up alongside Mateo Retegui.
Nicolò Barella, previously suspended, is back in the squad and eager to make an impact. With these changes, Italy's probable lineup (3-5-2) looks like this: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori/Esposito; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Frattesi, Dimarco; Retegui, Pio Esposito.
The game kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT. Will Italy's tactical transformation pay off? And can they pull off the improbable result needed to top the group? These questions will keep football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
What do you think? Is Gattuso's strategy a masterstroke or a risky move? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
