How Italy could line up against Germany

Roberto Mancini has frequently shuffled his pack at the start of a experimental new phase, following the spectacular failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 just months after experiencing Euro 2020 glory.

Among the new players unearthed this month are Juventus defender Federico Gatti - who made his Azzurri debut on Saturday despite spending last season on loan in Serie B - and teenage starlet Wilfried Gnonto, currently plying his trade in the Swiss Super League.

The latter has particularly impressed during his first senior call-up and could even return to the starting XI in Monchengladbach, with Atalanta's Matteo Pessina possibly set to make way.

Whoever starts in support, Sassuolo centre-forward Gianluca Scamacca should retain his place up front in Mancini's preferred 4-3-3 formation, while clubmate Davide Frattesi hopes to build on a positive start to his international career in midfield.

Nicolo Barella could be set to return, though, after being rested at the weekend, as experience is increasingly thin on the ground in La Nazionale's engine room.

Long-serving stars Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Belotti last week joined a number of players - including midfield regulars Marco Verratti and Jorginho - to have left the camp early, so there could also be further opportunities for youngsters including Matteo Cancellieri and Salvatore Esposito to make an impact from the bench.

Italy possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Florenzi, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Frattesi, Tonali, Barella; Pellegrini, Scamacca, Gnonto