Spalletti confirms minimal changes in Italy and clarifies Israel's comments – Football Italia

Luciano Spalletti (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Luciano Spalletti confirms he is unlikely to make any major changes to his starting XI when Italy host Israel in the fourth round of Nations League games in Udine on Monday night, while clarifying his comments on Middle East peace.

Italy vs Israel kicks off at 7.45pm BST on Monday evening. You can follow all the action on the Football Italia live blog. Follow all the preparations and follow-up to the game with us.

Spalletti spoke to Rai before the test in a difficult atmosphere in Udine.

First, he expressed his solidarity with the UN peacekeepers currently stationed in Lebanon.

“I would like to express our solidarity with the soldiers present in the area and our Italians who took part in this very difficult peace mission,” the CT said.

He also took a moment to clarify his earlier comments about hoping for peace in the Middle East.

“I don’t think I said anything specific. There are always some who find it convenient to poke holes in something they hear. Everyone wants to find the angle they want. When we talk about peace, I think it’s fair for everyone to say that.”

Spalletti confirms minimal changes for Italy against Israel

Although Italy have already faced France and Belgium, he believes the home game against Israel will be his team's toughest test of the Nations League season so far.

“It’s the most important game in our group. I think this because I live on feelings. So far we're on the right path, but when I hear people talk about skill, I say that skill comes from knowledge. If you have no knowledge, the game may end up surprising you.”

However, he is pleased that Italy's final game took place on Thursday, which gave the team enough recovery time before the clash with Israel.

“An extra day of recovery puts us in a position where we can actually be ready. I saw the attitude I wanted to see on the boys’ faces after the Belgium game.”

He also explained why he probably won't make many changes to his lineup. Guglielmo Vicario has been confirmed as a regular in goal, while there will be an enforced change in attack following Lorenzo Pellegrini's red card against Belgium.

“I won't change much because they've all recovered. We need balance and I will trust the same players again, even if those who have played less also show that they can be in the starting line-up.”

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