Wrapping up a brief stay in the United States, Italy tackle Ecuador on Sunday evening, as preparations for the defence of their European title continue.
While coach Luciano Spalletti switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation against Venezuela in midweek, it remains to be seen whether such a setup is retained this weekend, when the former Napoli boss should rotate his resources.
Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma saved an early penalty on Thursday, but Alex Meret joins uncapped duo Marco Carnesecchi and Guglielmo Vicario in hoping for a start in goal - Tottenham Hotspur's number one is expected to make his debut.
Roma pair Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gianluca Mancini - the latter of whom was only called up when Francesco Acerbi withdrew after an accusation of racism - are also strong contenders to feature at New Jersey's Red Bull Arena.
Another star of the Giallorossi's recent resurgence, Bryan Cristante, was ruled out of the squad by an ongoing back problem, while first-choice winger Domenico Berardi faces several months on the sidelines and will not be available at Euro 2024.
Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca was one of seven forwards called up in Berardi's absence - along with Nicolo Zaniolo, Mattia Zaccagni, Federico Chiesa, Riccardo Orsolini, Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui - but has picked up a knock in training.
Due to unsatisfactory form in Serie A, Gianluca Scamacca and Ciro Immobile were not selected for the Azzurri's trip to America, so versatile Napoli striker Raspadori will most likely vie with Retegui to start up front - the latter bagged a brace against Venezuela but may now be rested.
There is strong competition for places at wing-back, as Torino's rising star Raoul Bellanova hopes to beat established squad members Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Matteo Darmian to selection on the right flank; Federico Dimarco and Destiny Udogie are Spalletti's options on the left - Andrea Cambiaso can comfortably play on either.
Italy possible starting lineup: Vicario; Darmian, Mancini, Bastoni; Bellanova, Barella, Jorginho, Dimarco; Pellegrini, Zaniolo; Raspadori
Jonathan O'Shea
