Alessandro Bastoni will start for Italy against Bosnia in the World Cup play-off final despite only just returning from the shin injury he sustained in the Milan derby, with Inter Milan’s Pio Esposito likely to play a key impact role from the bench.
Italy coach Rino Gattuso was candid about Bastoni’s situation after the Northern Ireland win.
“At 99% he should have stayed out,” he said, before praising the defender’s attitude throughout the camp. Bastoni pushed to play before he was fully ready, and Gattuso rewarded that commitment.
According to Sky Sport’s Coverciano correspondent Peppe Di Stefano, via FCInter1908, Bastoni’s inclusion against Bosnia is not in doubt.
“Italy cannot do without his qualities,” he explained, adding that the below-par display against Northern Ireland was entirely expected given he had not played since the derby, 18 days earlier.
Pio Esposito Expected To Make Impact From The Bench Against Bosnia As Bastoni Starts For Italy
The more interesting selection question surrounds Esposito.
Di Stefano suggested Gattuso could deploy the Inter forward in the second half, alongside Pisilli or Palestra, as an energy injection if Italy need to change the game.
Starting alongside Kean from the first minute remains possible.
Retegui, by contrast, looked low on energy against Northern Ireland and could drop to the bench.
In midfield, Barella, Locatelli and Tonali are expected to continue.
Dimarco and Politano should again start as wing-backs.