Italy: Gattuso goes 4-2-4 with two strikers, Vicario in for Donnarumma | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso's Italy is preparing for tonight's challenge against Moldova with a significant tactical novelty: four forwards on the field and the Scamacca-Raspadori duo starting from the first minute.

Italy, Gattuso revamps the attack: 4-2-4 with dual strikers. Tonali and Cristante in midfield, Vicario replaces Donnarumma

The Azzurri coach, coming off four consecutive victories (two against Israel and two with Estonia), chooses to take a risk in a match that could consolidate the group's growth and, above all, keep the qualification hopes alive.

In Chisinau, the Azzurri will take the field with a dynamic 4-2-4, a system designed to exploit technical superiority and apply pressure from the first minutes. In Gattuso's mind, the match against Moldova must be the prelude to a new identity: aggressive, compact, and goal-oriented.

The Azzurri's 4-2-4: Zaccagni and Orsolini on the wings, Scamacca and Raspadori up front

The chosen setup features a four-man attack, with Orsolini on the right and Zaccagni on the left, ready to push on the flanks but also to fall back in defense to form a 4-4-2 when not in possession. In the midfield, Tonali and Cristante will form the balance and construction pair, tasked with managing the tempo and covering offensive runs.

Up front, Gattuso relies on the “double 9” with Scamacca and Raspadori, a duo that had already shown chemistry during their time at Sassuolo and the Under 21 team. “Scamacca often drops back to set up play, Raspadori attacks the space and plays in tight areas: together they can be complementary,” explain the Azzurri's technical staff.

Goalkeeper rotation: Vicario replaces Donnarumma

After a series of games as a starter, Gianluigi Donnarumma will make way for Guglielmo Vicario, who will guard the goal against Moldova. A rotation choice, but also a sign of confidence in the Tottenham goalkeeper, a standout in the Premier League.

The defensive line will consist of Bellanova, Mancini, Buongiorno, and Cambiaso, with the aim of minimizing risks and providing cover for the two midfielders. Gattuso will then assess potential changes ahead of the next match against Norway, crucial for group placement.

Managing bookings and strategies for Norway

With Tonali, Cambiaso, and Frattesi on bookings, the technical staff is cautiously managing the risk of cards. Another booking would mean suspension for the match against Norway and possible absence in the playoffs. Gattuso has therefore chosen to pace the energy and distribute minutes carefully, also considering Barella's return, suspended against Moldova but ready to return at San Siro.

A key month for Gattuso's new Italy

After restoring identity and character to the group, Gattuso faces the test of maturity. The upcoming games — Moldova and then Norway — represent a crucial test to understand how ready the new Italy is to compete with the continent's big teams.

“We need courage and a winning mentality,” the coach reportedly said in a press conference. “We must not look at the standings, but build a team that always plays to dominate.”

In Chisinau, the word goes to the field: with the 4-2-4 and dual strikers, Gattuso's Italy seeks confirmations and goals.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.