Italy test out 3-5-2 formation for big Germany quarter final

Italy tested out a 3-5-2 formation for the Nations League quarter-final against Germany, but there are still several doubts for coach Luciano Spalletti.

The first leg kicks off on Thursday at 19.45 GMT at San Siro, while the decider is on Sunday evening.

There are some injury problems for the Azzurri, who are missing Federico Dimarco and possibly also Andrea Cambiaso.

With that in mind, Matteo Politano and Destiny Udogie are expected to get the nod on the wings.

Italy still experimenting with line-up

According to Sky Sport Italia, while Alessandro Buongiorno was used in central defence during today’s test at the training ground, the Napoli man is likely to make way for Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori.

In midfield, Nicolò Rovella was given the nod today, but Samuele Ricci of Torino has more international experience and is pushing to start.

Giacomo Raspadori has rediscovered his form recently at Napoli, though it remains to be seen if his partner will be Mateo Retegui of Atalanta or Fiorentina’s Moise Kean.

Mattia Zaccagni and Cambiaso did not train in today’s session due to injury concerns.

Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Politano, Barella, Rovella, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, Retegui