Italy national team manager Antonio Conte has remained coy over the team lineup ahead of the clash against Bulgaria. .
Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is set to win his 150th cap for the national team, while question marks remain over the fitness of Andrea Pirlo. Andrea Bertolacci has been ruled out of the tie and has already returned to his club to undergo further tests on the injury suffered by him in the 1-0 win over Malta.
The Italians put on an unconvincing display in the win over Malta on Thursday night. Graziano Pelle scored the only goal for the Azzurri but the performance of Eder and Manolo Gabbiadini were below par to say the least. The addition of Antonio Candreva sparked life into a dull Italian attack and Conte might be inclined to start Lorenzo Insigne with Candreva on the wings.
There are many players who can play in Pirlo’s position – Antonio Conte
The former Juventus manager suggested that he will take a late call on the team lineup. However, Conte did mention that Juventus striker Simone Zaza could partner Graziano Pelle or Ciro Immobile up front.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by Goal, Conte said:
a We will evaluate who has recovered well in tomorrow’s training session.
a Youa ll find out my line-up tomorrow evening. There are many players who can play in Pirlo’s position, like Claudio Marchisio, Daniele De Rossi, Riccardo Montolivo and Mirko Valdifiori.
a Simone Zaza can play up front with Graziano Pelle, but also with Ciro Immobile.”
Italy are currently level on points with Croatia having played seven matches each, but the Croatian team has to undergo disciplinary proceedings over the unfortunate Swastika incident in the 1-1 draw against the Azzurri in June.
Italy take on Bulgaria tonight at the Palermo’s Stadio Renzo Barbera stadium.