Spalletti is already thinking about Germany: two "young" newcomers ready for his national team

Italy is about to return and it will be a special challenge. First of all because there is Germany and, as Gigi Buffon, who has wonderful memories from 2006, says, "there is nothing comparable to a success with them". And above all because we are playing both the final four of Nations and the world qualification group. To make a long story short. If we overcome the Germans, in June there is the Nations in Turin and in September the qualifications begin in the group with Slovakia. If we lose, on the road to Canada-USA-Mexico 2026 we find Norway since June. Soon it will be time for call-ups. And no revolutions are expected.

Spalletti made it clear yesterday that we are starting again from the Nations. So from 3-5-2 or 3-5-1-1, depending on the interpreters in the role of second striker: the most offensive system includes Raspadori next to Retegui (or Kean), the other prefers a trequartista like Maldini, or even favors the advancement of Barella, to strengthen a midfield in which there will already be Ricci, Tonali and Frattesi. The coach spoke of the search for an offensive winger who creates superiority: Zaccagni seems to be the first candidate, also in the running is Politano, who with Conte plays the double phase on the wing; less chance for Zaniolo, who doesn't even fit in with Fiorentina, and for Chiesa: "Unfortunately England rejected him. He played 25 minutes. He must be more consistent, more defensive phase is needed". Zaccagni could also introduce a change: a 3-4-2-1 with two attacking midfielders, a system tested in the US tour a year ago and then abandoned.

Still a small number of players, 23 plus a couple of youngsters. This is the right size for Spalletti: everyone involved, everyone on the bench. Casadei and Baldanzi are at the forefront of the group, the first for his extraordinary physicality, the second because he beats his man and creates superiority. Folorunsho is back under observation "and he's doing very well".

In goal, Donnarumma is untouchable, the other two spots are up for grabs between Meret and Carnesecchi ("very good this championship"), ahead, then Vicario, Di Gregorio and Provedel. There should be no doubts about the defensive package: Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Gatti and Buongiorno sure, Comuzzo more than Okoli for the last spot. On the outside a doubt: Cambiaso, Dimarco and Udogie are out of discussion, Bellanova and Savona less convincing, a spot could become available for Zaccagni or Politano. In midfield Ricci, Rovella, Tonali, Barella and Frattesi sure, with Pisilli and Locatelli fighting for another spot. Casadei and Baldanzi candidates as "youngsters" to aggregate. Up front, Retegui, Kean, Raspadori and Maldini. On the waiting list Folorunsho and Lucca.