Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Davide Frattesi will start for Italy against Norway in the World Cup qualifiers on Sunday night, has hinted that either Gianluca Mancini or Alessandro Buongiorno will start in defence, and has explained why Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali will have to watch the game from the stands.
The national team coach held his pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon before Italy’s final match in the World Cup qualifying campaign, against Norway at 19:45 GMT at San Siro on Sunday.
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The Azzurri are virtually guaranteed to finish the group in second place, which means a place in the World Cup qualifying playoffs, unless they manage to defeat unbeaten Norway by nine goals on Sunday.
Who will start for Italy against Norway?
Gattuso has confirmed that Calafiori will not be fit enough to play and that he will watch the game from the stands. Tonali is carrying a yellow card, risks suspension for the playoffs and will therefore not be taken any risks, and he will follow Calafiori in the stands at the San Siro.
“Calafiori is out, he tried yesterday,” Gattuso confirmed during his pre-fight press conference.
“Tonali is also out, he doesn’t have a physical problem, but we don’t want to take any risks with him in terms of the yellow card. He will train today and he will be at the stadium tomorrow, together with Calafiori. Both will attend the game.”
Gattuso was asked if the same rule applies to Mancini or Frattesi, as they also have yellow cards.
He replied: “Mancini took a yellow card and wiped away tears. We’ll see, either he or Buongiorno (wants to play). Frattesi will play tomorrow. He has completely different qualities and will start from the first minute.”
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