Italy leaning towards adaptable 4-4-2 for important Estonia trip

Although a three-man defence was suggested, Italy are expected to start with a 4-4-2 against Estonia, although Leonardo Spinazzola and Giacomo Raspadori are trying to push their way in.

The match kicks off at the Le Coq Arena in Tallin on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

When these sides met last month, the Azzurri ran out 5-0 winners in Bergamo, so if there is squad rotation ahead of next Tuesday’s match against Israel, then we could see a slightly weaker side this weekend.

Italy delay change of tactics for now

Coach Gennaro Gattuso hinted he could “set ego aside” to use a three-man defence, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for this next match.

According to the latest reports from the Coverciano training ground, he is inclined to maintain the 4-4-2 formation, although it can become a 4-2-3-1 based on the characteristics of the wide players.

These have to change with Matteo Politano and Mattia Zaccagni both pulling out due to injury.

More defensive options for those roles would be Andrea Cambiaso and Leonardo Spinazzola, who can drop back to become additional full-backs.

The more audacious solution might be Atletico Madrid forward Raspadori, who has been used wide left at club level this season, Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini or Nicolò Cambiaghi.

Italy (4-4-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Cambiaso, Barella, Tonali, Raspadori; Kean, Retegui