Nicolo Zaniolo and Lorenzo Pellegrini have both been forced to pull out of the Italy squad for the World Cup 2022 qualification fixtures against Switzerland and Northern Ireland.

Marco Verratti and Ciro Immobile are also notable absentees for the reigning European champions, who are currently top of Group C, level on points with second-placed Switzerland ahead of Friday's contest.

Leonardo Bonucci was suspended for the UEFA Nations League contest with Belgium last time out but is available for this match and should return to the heart of the defence alongside Giorgio Chiellini.

Nicolo Barella is expected to shake off a knock to feature alongside Jorginho in midfield, while there could also be a spot in the central three for Manuel Locatelli.

Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne are expected to operate in the wide areas for the home side, but head coach Roberto Mancini has a decision to make when it comes to the centre-forward spot.

Andrea Belotti is actually the highest goalscorer in the current squad with 12, but Federico Bernardeschi is being tipped to start as the false nine for the Euro 2020 winners in this match.

Elsewhere, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Emerson Palmieri should operate in the full-back areas, with Gianluigi Donnarumma featuring between the sticks.

Italy possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli; Chiesa, Bernardeschi, Insigne

Written by
Matt Law