Italy coach Luciano Spalletti is expected to select just one of Inter Milan pair Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi in this evening’s UEFA Nations League clash against France.
As reported in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, and via FCInterNews.it, Spalletti is yet to confirm his starting line-up for the decisive fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
The Azzurri will confirm top spot in Group B so long as they avoid a defeat by more than one goal, with both teams already securing qualification into the next round.
With that in mind, Spalletti is mindful of making too many changes from the team that beat Belgium last time out, and has decided on two of his three central midfielders.
Newcastle United man Sandro Tonali will retain his place after scoring the only goal against the Belgians, whilst Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli will also start the match, leaving room for just one more.
It is set to be a direct battle between the two Inter stars, with Barella playing against Belgium but suffering a minor knock that could clear the way for Frattesi.
Elsewhere, fellow Inter teammates Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco are expected to make up part of the defence.