Italy suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Spain in midweek meaning they will have to take on Belgium to determine who finishes third in the Nations League.
The Spaniards ended Italy’s record 37-match unbeaten run and this loss has come right before Mancini’s side were on the verge of another silverware.
Italy played almost half of the match with 10 men as Leonardo Bonucci was sent off in the 42nd minute for a second yellow card after elbowing Sergio Busquets.
This match is of very little importance to both the hosts as well as Belgium so there’s a big chance that Roberto Mancini could rest several of his regular first-team players on Sunday.
Italy team news vs Belgium:
Mancini was clearly not happy with Bonucci picking up a red card and now that the defender is unavailable, Chiellini will come into the side partnering Bastoni.
“This what matches are like, sometimes certain episodes can influence them,” Roberto Mancini said after the match. “This is a disappointment. We should have stayed with 11 men, we made a mistake that you can’t make at this level.”
Spain’s average shape vs Italy is a thing of beauty, brilliant coach Luis Enrique. pic.twitter.com/mzYMfU5HvO
— h (@htomanutd) October 6, 2021
Di Lorenzo is expected to be rested on Sunday so Calabria will replace him but Emerson should hold onto his place on the other side of defence.
Gianluigi Donnarumma had a really hard time against Spain so the Italy manager could opt to put him on the bench against Belgium.
Marco Verratti and Nicolo Barella will both be rested on Sunday as Manuel Locatelli comes into the starting line up. Lorenzo Pellegrini scored Italy’s only goal against Spain and he is definitely going to start this time around.
Bernardeschi started up front in midweek but this time around we think Moise Kean is going to lead the line since this game is of little consequence.
Italy predicted line up vs Belgium:
Predicted Line up: Donnarumma; Chiellini, Bastoni, Emerson, Calabria; Jorginho, Pellegrini, Locatelli; Chiesa, Moise Kean, Berardi.
