Spalletti Eyes Key Goalkeeper Change for Italy Clash Versus Israel.
Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti is ready to make at least one crucial personnel change in Monday’s UEFA Nations League clash against Israel. According to Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario could dislodge Gianluigi Donnarumma from the starting XI against Group A2’s lowest-ranked nation.
Vicario has made two senior appearances for the national team. However, both came in friendlies against Ecuador and Turkey during Gli Azzurri’s warm-up campaign for EURO 2024. Donnarumma was Spalletti’s first-choice stopper at the summer tournament, leaving the Spurs star pinned to the bench.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace has captained Italy in all three Nations League outings this autumn. He was between the sticks as Belgium held Spalletti’s team to an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, knocking them down from a two-game winning start to their Group A2 journey.
Donnarumma could now make way for Vicario. The 28-year-old has earned Spalletti’s trust after delivering numerous eye-catching performances for Tottenham. Despite keeping just two clean sheets in eight Premier League games this season, the Italy international has been brilliant in goal.
Vicario deserves this chance. He’s been patient, languishing in Donnarumma’s shadow. Israel’s visit to Udinese’s Bluenergy Stadium will be his moment to shine. Nailed to the bottom of the group in their maiden campaign in League A, Ran Ben Shimon’s men already lost 2-1 to Italy in the reverse fixture last month.
A clean sheet would be the best gift Vicario could give Spalletti, as Italy last registered a shutout in a 1-0 friendly win against Bosnia & Herzegovina in June.
