Italy vs. Israel official line-ups: 2026 World Cup qualifier

Giacomo Raspadori takes a different role with Mateo Retegui, while Manuel Locatelli and Gianluca Mancini step into the Italy team against Israel in this World Cup qualifier.

It kicks off at the Stadio Friuli in Udine at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Azzurri squeezed past this team 5-4 last month in an unexpectedly exciting encounter, and this is their opportunity to lock down the play-off spot behind Norway.

Due to security concerns, there are expected to be only 10,000 people inside the stadium, while protests are organised for outside the arena, although fewer than if the ceasefire in Gaza hadn’t come into effect.

Gennaro Gattuso has won all his games so far, but is forced into some changes, as Alessandro Bastoni is suspended following the 3-1 victory over Estonia, while Moise Kean sprained his ankle.

This allows for a change of system to 3-5-2 with Roma defender Mancini stepping in, while Raspadori switches from a wide attacking role to joint striker with Retegui.