Italy reshuffles defence and midfield after Belgium defeat, Bastoni returns against Turkey

Coach Mancini is expected to make several lineup changes for today’s match. Kayode and Doumbia are ready, while in attack Pio is untouchable.

Little time and a big change to make. Roberto Mancini’s Italy returns to the pitch today against Turkey to forget the ugly “Olimpico” defeat to Belgium. The “Azzurri” must regain confidence ahead of the complicated challenge against France, played on Friday.

In Bursa, against a Turkey without injured stars Calhanoglu and Yildiz, it is like a final to move away from last place and the risk of direct relegation to Nations League B. Mancini is trying to give the team an identity, with part of the group renewed and another part still haunted by Zenica and the third failure to qualify for the World Cup.

The coach sticks with the 4-3-3 scheme, but today’s interpreters will change. Not least because 10 players stayed in Coverciano, namely Barella, Mancini, Coppola, Pessina, Kouadio, Ahanor, Inacio, Zoma, Riçi and Maldini.

Ahead of Donnarumma will be Kayode on the right, Scalvini and the returning Bastoni in the centre, and one of Calafiori and Ruggeri on the left.

In midfield there is a chance for Doumbia, after good signs against Belgium. Frattesi is also expected to start from the first minute alongside Tonali. Doumbia seems to have an advantage over Fagioli for the lineup. In attack, Pio Esposito and Cambiaghi are confirmed, while Kean should start from the bench, giving way to Raspadori on the right.

Probable lineups

Turkey (4-3-3): Altay, Celik, Demiral, Kabak, Elmali; Ozacan, Arda Guler, Kokcu; Yunus, Baris Yilmaz, Can Uzun.

Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Frattesi, Tonali, Doumbia; Raspadori, Pio Esposito, Cambiaghi.