Italy forced to make changes against Israel after ban and injury | OneFootball

Italy will be forced into changes for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Israel, as Alessandro Bastoni is suspended and Moise Kean probably injured.

The match will kick off at the Stadio Friuli in Udine on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

It can be the opportunity to lock down that play-off spot, as Norway would be almost impossible to catch on goal difference, even if Italy win the head-to-head showdown next month.

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Some squad rotation is likely for the second game in a few days, but a few decisions are forced upon coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Italy without Bastoni and probably Kean

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – SEPTEMBER 09: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Israel and Italy at Bozsik Stadion on September 09, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Bastoni was booked in this evening’s 3-1 victory over Estonia, so the Inter defender will be suspended for the Israel match.

Kean is also a major doubt after he was carried off the field with a suspected ankle sprain, having scored the opening goal in Tallinn.

With Bastoni’s absence, it is also less likely that Gattuso will experiment with a three-man defence, as Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno is already injured.

FLORENCE – OCTOBER 08: Matteo Gabbia in action during a Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 08, 2024 in Florence (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Alternatives are Matteo Gabbia of Milan and Roma veteran Gianluca Mancini.

“We have Mancini, Gabbia, even Di Lorenzo can play there, so it’s fine,” assured the coach to Sky Sport Italia.

“We’ll see if the system changes, but we have men at our disposal. We’ll arrive late tomorrow morning in Udine, so we’ve got to rest and see how everyone recovers, then decide.”