Italy are expected to start with a 3-5-2 formation when they play against Uruguay in Natal, Brazil in their final group game at the 2014 World Cup.
Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli has been prompted into a change in formation after Italy’s recent 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on Friday.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli was tipped to use the 3-4-2-1 but it is more likely that he will opt for the 3-5-2 formation because Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Candreva did not train on Saturday.
Marchisio and Candreva could have played behind Mario Balotelli in the 3-4-2-1 but it looks very likely that Ciro Immobile will partner “Balo” in the 3-5-2 system.
Immobile has become a popular choice among the Italians because of his heroics at club level for Torino, and he is expected to press opposing defenders and run into spaces, attributes not usually associated with Balotelli.
The defence will consist of the all-Juventus trio of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini and the wing-backs are expected to be Matteo Darmian and Mattia De Sciglio.
A defensive midfielder could play alongside Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo in midfield or even Marco Parolo could gain a starting position.
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