On the lineup against Netherlands

Mancini foresees an overhaul of the starting XI; only Donnarumma, Chiellini, Immobile and Jorginho are certain to start. “We’ll have to review everyone’s condition tonight and tomorrow, but we’ll probably make a lot of changes. Some of them have only trained twice and came on the training camp without playing any games. In respect to the players, we don’t want any injuries. It’s unthinkable that a player, like Sensi for example, will play two games in four days.

Chiellini will play, as will Donnarumma, Jorginho and Immobile.” And he was not shy about his expectations: “I hope the team plays well and positively, like they did against Bosnia, even if certain things didn’t come off. We need to push for the win. If we’d have played in October, it would’ve been better. We’re also upset about the lack of a crowd. I think it’ll be more of a spectacle than Friday evening, because we’re facing a team that likes to attack more.” The young players have become an integral part of this Italy side and Mancini confirmed as much, “Zaniolo and Kean have grown a lot.

I think it’ll continue in this manner; they’re on the right track, this makes me and their clubs really happy. The younger boys have been an integral part of the team for a year and a half now. Locatelli? We brought him with us, because we’re thinking about using him, even coming on partway through a game. He played well last season and he’s grown a lot too.” Tomorrow’s game will be a duel of top-tier defenders. Leonardo Bonucci is convinced of this: “we’re lucky. Tomorrow, we’ll see two of the best defenders in the world in Chiellini and Van Dijk. Two of the top five, for sure. They’re so good at what they do.”

Van Dijk has shown in the Premier League and with the national team that he deserves the Ballon d’Or. But Giorgio has been one of the best in the last 15 years. They have different ways of defending than us, more physical while we’re more tactical.” Bonucci is convinced that in the game against the Netherlands, who beat Poland 1-0 in the other game in the group, Italy will get back to winning ways. “The Nations League is an important competition and we know that the draw against Bosnia complicates things. But we also made it through to the finals the last time we started with a draw.”

The schedule

Sunday 6 September

10:45 – Transfer Venice to Amsterdam

11:00 – The Netherlands’ training at the KNVB Campus (open to the press for the first 15 minutes)

13:15 – The Netherlands’ press conference (Coach and one player) at the KNVB Campus

17:30 – Italy’s press conference (Coach and one player) at the Johan Cruijff ArenA

18:00 – Italy’s training at the Johan Cruijff ArenA (open to the press for the first 15 minutes)

Monday 7 September

20:45 – Netherlands vs. Italy (Johan Cruijff ArenA)

Followed by a press conference with the Coach and the squad’s return to Italy