Italy coach Roberto Mancini knows what formation will feature for the Azzurri when they take on Poland on Friday, though he isn’t ready to reveal it just yet.
The two countries begin their UEFA Nations League campaign in Bologna, with both keen to put a disappointing summer behind them. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, while Poland didn’t make it out of the group stage.
Mancini has named several youngsters to the squad as Italy look to start a new and prosperous cycle, and while he made it clear he knows who will start against Poland, expect some rotation – especially with a match against Portugal on Monday on the horizon.
“I’m worried about the players that haven’t played as much to start the season,” he told reporters. “After three matches, the players aren’t at full fitness.
“We will make changes because we are playing two matches in three days.
“I’ve already decided on the formation, but I think it’s only right I let the players know. After I do that tomorrow, you will also know.”
Poland were dumped out of the World Cup in the group stage, but Mancini is aware of the quality within their squad.
“They have quality players and are one of Europe’s top sides,” he added. “They have players that feature across all of Europe. [Robert] Lewandowski, [Arkadiusz] Milik and others.
“Our goal is to reach the next European Championship. It’s important for us to measure ourselves against teams that are further along in order to know where we are.”
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com