Preview Italy vs. Israel: Lineup Changes Expected as Spalletti’s Side Targets Another Win

Italy returns to action in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, with Luciano Spalletti’s side now travelling to Bozsik Aréna in Budapest. Fresh off a shock 3-1 victory over France, the Azzurri will look to build on their positive start and further cement their place at the top of Group A2.

However, Spalletti is expected to rotate his squad, given the tight turnaround between games and the physical toll of Friday’s match. Meanwhile, Israel arrives on the back of a 3-1 loss to Belgium and will be eager to bounce back against the Italians.

Italy’s Recent Form and Rotation Plans

Italy’s unexpected triumph over France in Paris sent a strong message to the rest of the group. After conceding within 12 seconds, the Azzurri responded emphatically, with superb goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori securing the win. The result ended a 16-year winless streak against France.

However, the victory came at a cost. Both Riccardo Calafiori and Lorenzo Pellegrini were forced to leave the squad due to injuries sustained in the game. Spalletti confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he is considering up to five changes to his lineup for the clash against Israel, citing the need to manage fatigue and avoid further injuries.

“It’s difficult to put the same team out as Friday. It’s not possible to get over the fatigue after just two days,” Spalletti said. “Let’s see how the guys are, but it’s not unusual to change three, four, five players.”

One player who will retain his place in the starting XI is Alessandro Bastoni. With Calafiori unavailable, Spalletti emphasized the importance of the Inter defender’s experience and leadership. “Bastoni will play tomorrow because it becomes tricky taking both him and Calafiori out of the team. He has the most experience, and he brings things to the table that can help the whole team,” Spalletti added.

Davide Frattesi, one of Italy’s standout performers against France, will be assessed in training, though he has signaled that he is ready to play. Frattesi’s box-to-box energy will be crucial for Italy, as he has been instrumental in linking defense to attack, scoring Italy’s go-ahead goal against France.

Tactical Overview and Key Players

Italy’s success against France was built on their ability to press high and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. Despite conceding early, Spalletti’s side grew into the game, with Federico Dimarco’s overlapping runs from wing-back and Sandro Tonali’s creativity in midfield proving decisive. Italy’s 3-5-2 system allowed them to stretch the pitch, while also maintaining a solid defensive shape that stifled France’s attacking options in the second half.

With Calafiori and Pellegrini unavailable, Spalletti is likely to turn to fresh legs. Marco Brescianini, who made his debut off the bench against France, could start in midfield, while Moise Kean is in line to feature in attack, potentially replacing Mateo Retegui up front. Raspadori’s goal against France and his ability to play both as a winger and a forward make him a key figure, especially in Italy’s fluid attacking setup.

Italy’s midfield trio of Tonali, Frattesi, and Samuele Ricci will again play a pivotal role. Tonali, returning to the national team after missing out on Euro 2024, showed his class with a delicate assist for Dimarco’s goal against France, while Ricci’s intelligent positioning and passing help Italy maintain control in the middle of the park.

Israel’s Tactical Approach and Key Threats

Israel comes into this game after a 3-1 defeat to Belgium, where they showed glimpses of their potential, particularly in the first half when they forced an equalizer through an unfortunate Timothy Castagne own goal. Despite their defeat, Israel displayed defensive organization and an ability to strike on the counter, which will be key against an Italy side that is expected to dominate possession.

Under coach Ran Ben Shimon, Israel typically lines up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Manor Solomon, their captain and star player, leading the attack. Solomon, who recently joined Leeds United on loan, offers creativity and flair in the final third, and Italy will need to be cautious of his dribbling ability and eye for goal. Oscar Gloukh, another bright young talent, will also be a key figure in Israel’s midfield, providing energy and vision.

Israel’s defense, led by Raz Shlomo and Idan Nachmias, will need to be at its best to withstand Italy’s relentless pressing and attacking combinations. Goalkeeper Yoav Gerafi had a busy night against Belgium and is likely to face similar pressure in Budapest. Israel’s best chances may come from set-pieces or quick counter-attacks, where they can exploit any gaps left by Italy’s marauding wing-backs.

Key Battles to Watch

• Sandro Tonali vs. Neta Lavi: Tonali will look to control the tempo of the game for Italy, while Israel’s Neta Lavi will be tasked with breaking up play and preventing Italy from finding space in the final third.
• Davide Frattesi vs. Oscar Gloukh: Frattesi’s late runs into the box and his high-energy play will challenge Israel’s young defense. Meanwhile, Gloukh’s ability to unlock defenses with his passing could be Israel’s best chance of creating opportunities.
• Manor Solomon vs. Alessandro Bastoni: Solomon will likely target Italy’s left flank, where Bastoni will be responsible for keeping the tricky winger in check. This battle could be pivotal in determining how much space Israel can create in Italy’s defensive third.

Predictions and What to Expect?

Italy enters this match as strong favorites, bolstered by their recent win over France. Spalletti’s expected rotations may disrupt the team’s rhythm, but Italy’s depth and quality should still prove too much for Israel, who struggled to create chances against Belgium.

The Azzurri will look to dominate possession and press high up the pitch, forcing Israel into mistakes and capitalizing on their defensive frailties. With Frattesi, Tonali, and Raspadori all in good form, Italy has the firepower to secure another comfortable win.