“I expect there will be between seven and nine changes. To be honest, I had expected to make more.”
Go with the nine Antonio. While you’re at it, go with 11.
Ireland go up against an Italian side in Lille tonight that have already topped Group E.
Antonio Conte’s men were rewarded/punished for topping the standings with a game to go with a second round game against defending champions Spain. Alvaro Morata called the match-up the ‘worst possible fixture’ Spain could have got.
We’re sure the Italians are not too chuffed with it either.
Conte has already told reporters that there is ‘no division between first choice players and reserves’ yet has picked 12 players to start Italy’s first two games.
#ITA 'weakened' team
22 top flight league titles ✅
31 domestic cup titles ✅
1 World Cup ✅
2 Champions Leagues ✅https://t.co/2pX4hweW0K— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 22, 2016
The only starting line-up tweak he has made thus far has been Alessandro Florenzi for Matteo Darmian.
Ireland supporters were heartened, earlier this week, when news emerged from Italy of a raft of changes that almost represented a clean sweep.
However, and it is a big however, Sky Sports Italia are now reporting that Conte will spurn the opportunity to rest Juventus stalwart Leonardo Bonucci. The 29-year-old is on a yellow card but Conte is not said to be keen on West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna.
Andrea Barzagli is also expected to feature so the backline could feature only one change – Florenzi for Giorgio Chiellini – from the one that shut the Belgians out in their opener.
There is a ray of light in that PSG reserve goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is expected to replace Gigi Buffon in the Italian goal. Small wonders.
