Luciano Spalletti expected to make five changes to Italy lineup against Ukraine

With the Azzurri set to face Ukraine in a significant fixture within the final match-day of Euro 2024 qualifiers, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti is expected to make five changes to the lineup that was deployed in their 5-2 victory over North Macedonia.

As it stands, Italy currently sits in second with 13 points, on level terms with Ukraine. However, with Italy having a better goal differential and a superior head-to-head record, a draw in Leverkusen would be enough to levitate the nation above the waters from the tears of sorrow after having failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup only six months after having clinched the Euros over England at Wembley Stadium, the first time that the Azzurri missed out on two consecutive World Cups

Sky Italia reports that within the back-line, Roma central defender Gianluca Mancini is predicted to start over Federico Gatti alongside Francesco Acerbi. In addition, Napoli skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo will seemingly return to action in his typical right-back role over Matteo Darmian.

In the midfield, former Sassuolo midfielder Davide Fratessi is foretasted to take the spot of high-flying Fiorentina veteran Giacomo Bonaventura.

At last, in the attack, Matteo Politano is in pole to start on the right flank over Domenico Berardi, and Gianluca Scamacca is expected to start as the sole striker in favour of Giacomo Raspadori.

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN