Italy likely starters vs Nigeria

The Gazzetta dello Sport expects Antonio Candreva to be used behind a strike pairing of Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Balotelli in Italy-Nigeria.


The Azzurri will take on their African opponents at Craven Cottage on Monday night and boss Cesare Prandelli is set to field a 4-3-1-2.

Prandelli will opt for an experimental side which will see Salvatore Sirigu in goal, while Andrea Ranocchia and Angelo Ogbonna will play in defence.

Daniele De Rossi and Riccardo Montolivo are available and should start, while Sunderland’s Emanuele Giaccherini will also get a place in midfield.

Italy (probable): Sirigu; Maggio, Ranocchia, Ogbonna, Pasqual; De Rossi, Montolivo, Giaccherini; Candreva; Rossi, Balotelli.