Bastoni to miss Italy vs Moldova clash

Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni will miss today’s World Cup qualifier between Italy and Moldova, while Davide Frattesi and Federico Dimarco will start.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They report that Bastoni is out with a knee problem.

Italy take on Moldova in a FIFA World Cup qualifier this evening. It is their second of two qualifiers during this international break.

The Azzurri got their World Cup qualification campaign off to the worst start imaginable on Friday. They lost 3-0 away to Norway.

Therefore, it is clear that Italy must get a convincing win at home against Moldova today. Otherwise, they would be at risk of missing out on a third straight World Cup.

Bastoni Out For Italy Vs Moldova Clash – Frattesi & Dimarco To Start

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 18: Davide Frattesi of Italy poses during an Italy portrait session at Hotel Parco dei Principi on March 18, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy will be without a key figure this evening in the form of Alessandro Bastoni.

The 26-year-old Inter Milan defender will be absent due to a knee problem.

Meanwhile, the Gazzetta report, there will be two Nerazzurri players in the Italy starting eleven.

Midfielder Davide Frattesi and wingback Federico Dimarco will both start the match.

The Gazzetta’s complete predicted Italy starting eleven is as follows:

Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Coppola, Ranieri; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Retegui, Raspadori.