Overview

• Italy’s results over the next four days are expected to decide direct qualification versus the UEFA playoff path, with the playoff draw on 21 November and ties on 26 and 31 March.
• Gennaro Gattuso is weighing a 4-4-2 or 4-1-3-2, with Manuel Locatelli currently ahead of Bryan Cristante and Leonardo Spinazzola challenging Federico Dimarco for the left side.
• The Moise Kean–Mateo Retegui partnership is set to continue after producing five goals in the first two matches of Gattuso’s tenure.
• Authorities are reinforcing security for the Israel match in Udine, the FIGC will fund Médecins du Monde and Humanity & Inclusion projects via UEFA’s foundation, and officials note Italy must play or risk a 0-3 forfeit.
• Italy’s U20s were eliminated 3-0 by the United States in the World Cup round of 16, while the U21s host Sweden in Cesena today in Euro qualifying.