Azzurri Manager Experiments With Inter Milan Megastar In New Role Ahead Of Belgium Vs Italy Nations League Clash | OneFootball

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti tried Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella in a new role during the latest training session.

According to Sky Sports via FCInterNews, Spalletti will slightly alter his starting line-up in Thursday’s UEFA Nations League showdown against Belgium.

Nicolo Barella is among four Inter stars likely to feature in Italy’s starting XI in Brussels.

In addition to the diminutive midfielder, Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Frattesi, and Federico Dimarco are among the likely starters.

Following an unbeaten four-game start to their Group A2 campaign, the Azzurri could lock down a quarter-final berth with a game to spare.

Avoiding defeat at the King Baudouin Stadium would seal the deal.

However, Spalletti will likely aim for more.

Indeed, he bids to lead Italy to a top-table finish in a third consecutive Nations League edition.

Moreover, there’s an additional motive.

Belgium condemned the Azzurri to their only winless Group A2 outing last month, fighting back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw.

Therefore, there will be no shortage of motivation in the traveling camp.

Italy Manager Luciano Spalletti Experiments With Inter Milan Ace Nicolo Barella in Training

Lorenzo Pellegrini’s red card at the Stadio Olimpico offered Belgium a lifeline.

Domenico Tedesco’s charges took it, and now, the Roma captain could pay the price.

Pellegrini served his one-game ban in a 4-1 thumping of Israel last time out.

However, he may start on the bench on Thursday.

Spalletti played Barella in a more advanced position in training earlier today.

Indeed, the ex-Napoli manager is unwilling to deviate from his signature 3-5-1-1 formation.

Therefore, Barella could take Pellegrini’s role behind free-scoring Atalanta marksman Mateo Retegui.

But that’s somewhat uncharted territory for the Inter star.

He has been outstanding as a box-to-box midfielder and even fared well in a more conservative role as Hakan Calhanoglu’s deputy.

Yet, he has rarely played close to goal.